 'Every
time I looked in the mirror, I was terrified by the fat woman staring right back
at me. The doctor had told me that I needed to lose some weight to bring my high
blood pressure under control and that regular walks would help. Again, the terror
of stepping into a public place and being teased or stared at by millions of eyes
seeped in.' How many of us are plagued by these thoughts and suggestions? How
many of us keep thinking about the benefits of exercise but never get around to
it? Most of us would be your answer. All of us need to be motivated and inspired
to bring about a healthy body because it eventually leads to a healthy mind and
a better quality of life. You feel confident when you are looking and feeling
good and bringing that change lies within yourself.
To lose weight and to live a healthier life, you need to bring about a change
in attitude that includes giving up the sedentary lifestyle and learning about
nutrition fundamentals. It's actually quite easy to do this, for you just need
to begin with some small steps.
Just thoughts alone won't get you anywhere near the exercise regime, you need
to implement all that you read and discuss. For instance, if you are always
taking the car out for buying groceries, then you should walk to the supermarket.
You should even try washing some of your clothes, do some gardening or just
clean the house. The idea behind these physical activities is to get moving
and let the body become active.
The body is just like a machine—if you don't use all the parts effectively,
they will begin to rust, but regular use will keep it greased and smooth. Remember
that you only have the one body, so learn to take good care of it. Start by
making a conscious effort to be active. This is your first small step towards
becoming healthier and once you are habituated to these small measures, it will
become second nature for you!
Remember that you did not gain all those pounds overnight and losing them isn't
happening overnight either. It may take some time for you to lose all your excess
weight. In your journey to lose weigh, you may get discouraged and slip up.
Do not despair, since this is normal behavior. Every time you slip up, you need
to get up and come back on track and continue moving forward. Every time you
feel that you are losing your focus, try these simple and inspiring goals to
keep you on the fitness track:
- Look at pictures of all the people that inspire you—these can be of
movie stars or athletes. See how fit, happy and healthy they look. If you
also want to look like that, you should not leave the exercise mat.
- The mind is the all-powerful tool within the body. So please stimulate
that through creative visualization. Scan your picture and experiment with
it on an image manipulation software. See what you would look like a few pounds
lighter and keep trying to find the ultimate figure/physique for yourself.
Now keep this picture with you at all times. Every time you are disheartened,
look at this picture to revive your spirits.
- Start reading motivation and self-improvement books; it will help you maintain
your diet and exercise program.
- Exercise can be a great high. At first you may not feel like exercising,
but you will always feel incredible after your workout.
- If you have kids and/or pets, play with them. Kids have an abundant amount
of energy and playing with them in the park or climbing over the swings with
them can be enjoyable and motivating.
- Write your goals and start a journal
to track your progress to see when you reach your goals. Do not emphasize
on long-term goals, but stick to the short ones first. See how much closer
you are to them and keep ticking them off as you reach them one by one. Reward
yourself with every goal achieved. However, make sure that your rewards are
not connected to fatty foods!
- If you are still unclear about your goals or how to reach them, take the
help of an expert. Talk to a professional trainer or coach and follow them.
Sometimes walking on the path shown by an expert can be more beneficial and
therapeutic.
- If you are unable to spare time for a 60 minute workout, do it in two parts:
morning and evening. Also, get a workout partner; this way you will be hesitant
to cancel your workouts.
Don't give up. You will experience setbacks, but that is to be expected. Just
get over your setbacks and continue moving forward on your path to health and
weight loss. Remember, just hit the exercise mat and you will start seeing the
change in your body, attitude and life!
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