The Best
Program for You
The Best Program
Which program is right for you?
We’ve come to the conclusion
that there isn’t just one lifestyle program that’s right for everyone. Just as there are
dozens of different bras out there and dozens of different vehicles
to drive – so there
are hundreds of workout and eating programs. Some people like to run.
Others prefer to garden or water-ski. Some people have success with counting
calories – others find it hard, complicated and frustrating (that would be us).
Figure out what you like to do, check with your doctor or medical professional
to make sure your body is up to the task, and then get
started the way you want.
We do recommend you avoid using a stringent diet as an excuse
to not exercise. Your body needs exercise to be healthy and strong. If you're
too weak or tired to exercise, check with your doctor or health professional. it
might be that your diet is lacking. We also recommend you avoid using an intense
exercise program as an excuse to eat poorly. Your body needs fruits, vegetables
and protein in order to avoid illness, and a diet filled with saturated fat will
clog the arteries of an Olympic athlete. We do recommend
you incorporate regular weight training into your exercise program
– it’s an excellent way for your body to
stay strong through childbirth, illnesses, stressful situations and aging.
Almost everyone – including women, seniors and many disabled people – can do some
aspect of weight training.
Whatever you choose for yourself, your new lifestyle program should be healthy, well-rounded, challenging,
interesting, fun, safe, and most of all – long-term. You can increase intensity,
modify activities, or change the set-up to keep it challenging. But this isn’t a
program you’re going to do for a month or until you fit into your jeans. This
time, you’re changing your lifestyle. You want to be strong and healthy – not
thin. And this time, you’re going to enjoy it. That last thought brings us to
motivation.
How
do you stay motivated?
Many people can’t stick with a
lifestyle program because they have their eyes focused on the prize – the
magical weight, the magical size or the magical words they’ll hear from their
loved ones when they hit some goal.
In our view, motivation is all about enjoying the process. Don’t wait to be
proud of yourself or happy with
your progress. Be happy now. Did you work out today? Be proud and happy. Did you
listen to your body and stop eating when you were full? Be proud and happy. Did
you avoid complaining to your son or daughter about your extra roll of fat? Be proud
and happy. Can you see a little definition in your arms under the flab? Can you
lift up the baby a bit more easily than you did yesterday? Did you do one more
sit-up or one more military press? Be proud and happy. You’re working on it.
You’re doing something positive and powerful. Don’t wait for the scale or your
spouse to tell you – be proud and happy now.
If you can learn to be proud and
happy with the process rather than with the goal, you will be able to
make the
program a natural part of your day – just like eating breakfast, taking
a shower or brushing your teeth. It’s not a big deal. It’s not a sacrifice. It
isn’t hard or painful or a trial. No, it’s fun. It’s powerful. It’s something to
do every day, and it’s something to be proud of every day.
We're proud of you already, just for considering that there might be a better
way.
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