Suspend the Idea of Weight Loss When First Beginning an Exercise Program

When you are overweight and have not exercised in a long time, focusing on weight loss as the primary goal can cause a lot of pressure and guilt. Changing your lifestyle is not a quick fix. By focusing on goals that are achievable in a short amount of time can inspire and encourage you to keep going, and progress to long term success. Let me share with you the story of Debbie C.

    Debbie took almost two years to reach the goal of losing 164 pounds. When I first started working with her, her goal was to be able to walk across the room without a walker and shortness of breath. Then, she progressed to a goal of being able to get up and out of a chair without using her hands to help. Later, she progressed to walking in a grocery store for 15 minutes while pushing a cart instead of riding in a electric grocery cart. Eventually, she progressed to walking "3 Miles" on a track!

      By focusing on "achievable, short term goals", and by celebrating them, it makes it easier to set additional goals to keep you going. I've had other clients set a goal of being able to walk up the three steps into their house without getting short of breath; or being able to walk up stairs without having to turn sideways.

    Whatever your goal is, focus on the activity. As you become more active, the weight will come off. As you get stronger, you start developing muscles; which burn "more calories." You also become more active during your daily routine which burns "even more calories." Set achievable, functional goals; celebrate victories, and with persistence; your weight loss goals "will" be achievable.

    A great place to start an exercise program is with the "Getting Back Into Life", exercise DVD. Complete with a 30 minute bed exercise routine, a 30 minute chair exercise routine, and a gentle 30 minute standing routine; this "at home" exercise program can be an achievable way to begin your exercise program.

    Begin with "one" 30 minute routine "3 times a week." Then, set the goal of performing a 30 minute routine "5 times a week." Eventually, you can progress to a group fitness program with confidence.

    In a previous, 90 day, "Obegone Challenge," the average gain in functionality was 50%. Participants were stating that they were able to do more around the house without fatigue; they could shop for longer periods of time; and they could navigate their house without stopping for rest.

    One participant stated that her goal was to finish a 30 minute exercise routine, and the "Getting Back Into Life" DVD allowed her to meet that goal, and celebrate her victory.

    "Begin your fitness journey today. Your life is worth the challenge."

Beth Patterson  PT, CYT
www.patterson-pt.com