Let’s face it – most people embark on an exercise program when the clothes aren’t fitting like they should and the scales are breaking new records in the wrong direction. Along comes the little voice you’ve been ignoring for the past few months, “You’re overweight.”
You start your “new healthy lifestyle”. With great intentions you’re eating a healthy and balanced diet, and seeing your trainer or pounding the pavement.
Next weigh-in doesn’t show the ‘whoosh’ in weight drop you were expecting. You start to question if all the hard work is worth it? Subsequent weigh-ins leave you feeling disappointed as well. You’re ready to throw in the towel. Let’s look at it – you woke up feeling fantastic – fitter, stronger, healthier, clothes fitting better, you just feel GOOD.
But then you jump on the scales and suddenly all those feelings you had have disappeared when the digit doesn’t show what you hoped for?
Why should a few numbers on an electronic piece of machinery dictate how you feel??
For starters, if you’re weight training there may not be a lot of change on the scales at all – 1kg of muscle weighs the same as 1kg of fat, but 1kg of muscle takes up a lot less room ie: you’re smaller!
It’s not all about the scale and only weight loss. Let’s not forget to focus on all the other benefits you’re feeling.
Increases in:
· Energy
· Flexibility & mobility
· Strength and muscle mass
· Metabolic rate
· Bone mineral density – decreasing risk of osteoporosis
· Decrease in blood pressure
· Lower risk of cardiovascular disease
· Improved physiological well-being – management of stress, depression and anxiety.
· Improved sleep patterns
If your weight isn’t dropping as you’d like, that’s no reason to just quit. With patience and consistency it will happen. But just take another look at the list of benefits you’re gaining by exercising regularly, and you’ll realise weight loss is not the ONLY reason to exercise!
So why not start to change your life for the better now – your body will love you for it!
(© Selina Wright 2008)
As published in City Life Magazine
