2003-07-14T23:36:00.000-07:00

5 Steps To Getting Fit, Losing Weight & Living Longer
STEP 1 - THROW AWAY THE SCALE

It's Monday morning and I'm standing in front of my aerobic students preparing for their workout. The clock reads 5 minutes before the hour and I over hear a common popular conversation between 2 students discussing their weight.

They both comment on how they've gained 2 pounds over the weekend and that they both NEED this workout and are eager to shed the pounds.

I announce to EVERYONE to get rid of their scales and stop weighing themselves. The 2 students wince and shriek at the thought of ending their relationship with their scale.

A relationship with your scale????

It may sound Bizarre....but every time you get on the scale you are looking for some kind of emotional support, encouragement, acceptance or gratification. If your scale measures and finds you have gained a few pounds, you instantly feel distraught, almost as if your scale is disappointed in you and has betrayed you in some way.

Getting on and off your scale will never give you the heightened gratification and affirmation you will receive if you were to try on a slim-cut pair of pants, or dress. You and only you know how you feel in your clothes. When your clothes feel great, you feel fantastic.

At first you may feel like you've ended a friendship by abandoning your scale. Take one step at a time. For example if you weigh yourself daily or more than once a day...cut back to once a week....only on Wednesdays..and then cut back to every other Wednesday..and before you know it you'll forget all about the scale and realize you never needed it.

I choose Wednesdays because it is a mid-week mark. Your weight and everyone's weight fluctuates constantly between 2 to 4 pounds and you are most likely to weigh more at the end of the weekend or the beginning of the week.

It's important to always consult your physician before starting any exercise program and to have a physical examination at least once a year. Remember your doctor has a scale, so why should you have one?

The primary goal is to be healthy and fit. Your body will reward you if you have respect for how you treat it. Never give up and keep going to your workouts. You are doing your body a lot of good. Feed your body plenty of nutritious foods and plenty of water to keep you hydrated.

Here's a few tips to get you started :

Get rid of your scale , physically put your scale in a place where you are no longer can visible see it..and it takes effort to retrieve it!!

Take and participate in Aerobics at least 3-5 x a week...So many great classes are available today..find the one you like best and stick to it!

Keep a moderate caloric-intake everyday. Feed your body only what it needs..1500 -2000 cal a day...depending on the intensity and volume of your work-outs.

Strengthen your muscles and your stamina. Take 2-3 body-sculpting classes a week . The more muscle you have on your body, the more calories you will burn AT REST!!

Reward and compliment yourself everyday. Show your body off . Wear clothes that best show your assets and make you feel incredible. Most of your success will come from your attitude about yourself. So wear something everyday that makes you feel fabulous!!

Don't stop!! Don't ever get discouraged!! If you take a detour...Get back on track and keep moving on...on towards a better life filled with being Fit and Healthy!! You , alone, absolutely...can do it!!
See you at the gym!

Cheryl

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