Build muscle to burn fat
How can I get rid of my fat? This one of the most common questions my clients ask me. Everyone has a trouble area or extra pounds in unwanted places. Most people try to detox the fat away or start a new diet of low carbs. Although these methods will help you retain less fat they will also make you lose muscle mass. How many times have you lost 10 pounds only to gain it back after a vacation? The reason for this is you don’t have enough muscle mass to burn the excess calories after you stop dieting. Weight loss strictly through dieting does not work!
If your goal is to get lean, you need to take in more fuel. If you’re looking to lose weight, you have to take in the right kind of fuel. If you don’t eat enough of the right stuff, your body will have to take energy from your muscles, which hurts your metabolism. Don’t waste time crash dieting, instead lets create a balanced eating plan that compliments your body. The truth is you have to look in the mirror and be honest with yourself. You have to dig deep and decide to do it the right way. It takes a consistent exercise program along with healthy eating to achieve your body goals.
The first thing to determine is your starting point. Your workout should be designed to not only burn calories but also build muscle. Whether you are sedentary or do moderate exercise it helps to be reevaluated by a professional. Personal training gives you the consistency and accountability for those moments when life gets crazy. I have seen huge success teaching people the basics of resistance training and making it fun! The techniques can be used for a lifetime to maintain the body type you want for yourself. Results can be seen in the first 30 days. While you move toward your goal you will celebrate the little achievements and be proud of yourself for being proactive about your health. When you feel great and your pants start to fit looser it becomes easier to stay the course.
Stay Motivated
What compels us to repeatedly do something we don’t always want to do? Here are some of the best strategies to boost your workout motivation.
1. Give Yourself a Real Reward
Sure, some people might be motivated by vague goals such as better heath or weight control; But if that’s not doing it for you, I advise making the benefits of working out more tangible, such as by treating yourself to a smoothie or a favorite purchase after 30 days. “A reward is so powerful because your brain can latch on to it and make the link that the behavior is worthwhile”. It increases the odds the routine becomes a habit. Once you’ve trained your brain to recognize that the workout itself is the reward, you won’t even want the treat.
2. Set attainable goals
We can make promises to ourselves all day long, but research shows we’re more likely to follow through with pledges when we make them in front of friends or commit personally. Create a team to support you. Let’s create a plan.
3. Positive Thinking
Devotees of positive thinking have long promoted visualizing the benefits of a behavior as a motivational strategy. For example, when I’m deciding whether to get out of bed to go running in the morning, it helps to imagine how the sun will feel on my face as I run around the lake. Think about how delighted you’ll be when you see your new muscles developing! After identifying your wish and visualizing the outcome, you have to identify what’s holding you back. Come up with a plan to help stick to your goal.
4. Create a support Team
Let’s face it: No one can pay you to do more squats, rack up more miles or lift heavier. While it might sound like a sweet deal to get paid to sweat, what will ultimately inspire you to get up and start moving is strong support. Find a workout that makes you feel good and surround yourself with people that help build your confidence as much as your strength. The cost of putting yourself out there? Priceless.
