It’s officially Spring and it’s a time of change, self-examination, and renewal. We’re all yearning to ditch the long jackets and bulky sweaters in exchange for lighter, fewer clothes. Many of us are thinking about how we’ll look when we change our look and may be dismayed at the extra weight we’ve put on over the winter.
Here are five tips for a healthy approach to weight loss:
1. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO EXERCISE
Treat your exercise time as you would a doctor’s appointment, your child’s school conference, or anything else that gets coveted space on your busy calendar. You’re sure to have many things vying for your attention: your work, your home, your family and pets. By making exercise a priority for a healthier you, you’ll get the boost of energy you need to power through your to-do list. The best way to get into the habit of exercise is to make it a part of your regular routine.
2. BE CONSISTENT
If you want results, consistency is key! Our most impressive success stories have come from members who exercise regularly. Small changes over time add up to a lot and are the best way to lose weight and keep it off. Your consistency will be largely improved if you have a friend or family member to exercise with.
3. STRENGTH TRAIN
You will not “bulk up” by strength training. Excessive body fat makes the body bulky, not muscle. Visualize this: which weighs more, five pounds of feathers or five pounds of lead? Neither -- they both weigh five pounds -- but you're going to be looking at a whole lot of feathers. The same holds true for fat and muscle. Strength training increases your metabolism and burns more body fat than aerobic exercise alone.
4. DON’T OVERDO IT
It can be tempting to jump right in to a class and give it 110%, but like everything else at Artemis, we encourage you to make small, gradual changes. Go at your own pace and pay attention to your body’s cues. It’ll help prevent injuries and make you look forward to coming back another time.
5. REMEMBER THE SCALE DOESN’T TELL THE WHOLE PICTURE.
The scale measures weight -- not overall fitness-- and it doesn't differentiate between fat and muscle. Muscle is denser than fat and tends to weigh more. There isn’t a magic bullet. It does take time to achieve fitness goals in a healthy way.
The bottom line is if you start exercising consistently, you will see results – in how your clothes fit, in how you feel, in your energy level. It does take time, but we’re in it for the end-game.¬¬¬