I was a professional dancer for two decades before becoming a personal trainer. Although I no longer live for the applause of an audience, today I live to see the joy that radiates from my clients when they reach their fitness goals, especially in women who want to lose weight .

10 Things I Tell Every Woman Who Wants To Lose Weight

I’m never going to tell women to exercise a certain number of times a week in order to see results. Instead, I try to give people the tools they need, so that if they put in the time and effort, they will come out stronger, healthier, and happier. Here are some ideas that I share with all my clients, and I hope you find them useful too.

1. Losing weight has to be more of a lifestyle than a diet

Eat right and exercise. Approach weight loss as a lifestyle change, not a diet. Unless you are going to be on a diet for the rest of your life, you will revert to your old way of eating, and you will likely regain the weight that you have lost. Eating nutritious raw and whole foods has to become a daily habit.

2. Graze like a cow if you want to lose weight

Think of it like this: your metabolism is a fire, and when you put more wood in it, it burns more. If you deprive it of wood, it becomes extinct. You continually fuel your metabolism by consuming four to six small meals a day, this means that it will always be “on”, “incinerating” fat and burning calories.

3. Start your training a few minutes in front of the mirror

Stand in front of a mirror and look into your eyes. Don’t look at the floor, or the coffee table, or the mole on your cheek, or your eyes. Spend some time there. See yourself for what you are now.

 

Mentally list your attributes. Do you like your lips Your clavicles? Your butt? Your abs? Give some positive credit. Be patient and kind to yourself. Your emotional state has a lot to do with shedding pounds. A good mindset is key to a good workout.

4. Choose a positive phrase

When you’re struggling with the mirror for minutes or any other exercise, repeating a positive phrase or word in your head can give you strength to push yourself through fear and doubt. It can be: “confidence”, “strength”, “beauty” or “this time it’s mine.

5. Make a list of songs

The right music can make for an inspiring and uplifting workout, and motivate you to keep going. Faster music can help spice up the moment for cardio, while slower, quieter tunes are great for toning and sculpting.

Pick a playlist that you’re sure you can get fully done before finishing your workout. When it’s your favorite music, you can lose yourself in it, and before you know it, the hour is up.

6. Keep a food and exercise diary

This allows you to reflect on the day – maybe see where that extra cookie or glass of wine could be avoided. It also gives you the opportunity to set goals and track your progress so you can see how far you’ve come. Like any other to-do list, it is very satisfying to write down your accomplishments at the end of the day.

7. Take selfies

I have no idea how much I weigh, and I don’t care. Your weight is nothing more than a measure of gravity that is working hard to pull your body towards the center of the earth. Do not take into account your muscle mass, your fat mass, the amount you ate that day, or the amount of water you are retaining. Most of us take selfies all the time. How about skipping that scale and putting that technology to use for your health and taking some photos of your body in the here and now? Take an honest look at these photos – without saying negative things – allowing you to “check in” each one as you go and see how your body is changing.

8. Dress for success

Wear clothes that make you feel good about yourself. If you love your arms, wear sleeveless tops. If you like your calves, get some capri pants. As you progress, allow yourself to splurge on a new part of yourself, either upper or lower, to show off your new sexy muscles.

This not only helps keep you motivated, but paying attention to the fit of your clothes is a much better way to measure weight loss than a scale.

9. Strength training is a must

Many women fear the words “strength training,” but it is absolutely essential for women of all ages. Not only does it help you get in shape by building muscle and burning fat, it also helps increase bone density and defend against osteoporosis. Plus, a great strength training session is the perfect way to manage stress and burn off energy.

10. Work with a friend on your weight loss goal.

Much research suggests that exercising with a friend increases initiation into a training program as partners provide motivation. You can both get in shape and have fun doing it and achieve your weight loss goal fast and easy.

By Dr. Eric Jackson

Dr. Eric Jackson provides primary Internal Medicine care for men and women and treats patients with bone and mineral diseases, diabetes, heart conditions, and other chronic illnesses. He is a Washington University Bone Health Program physician and is a certified Bone Densitometrist. Dr. Avery is consistently recognized in "The Best Doctors in America" list.

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