With the new year on the horizon, there is no better time to start working a plan towards achieving your weight loss goals for 2024. The first step to success is establishing your weight loss goal.
Making Your Weight Loss Goal
The number one recommendation from the American Heart Association when it comes to losing weight is to set realistic goals. Make sure your goal is practical: challenging, yet achievable. If you want to lose 15 pounds in three months, for example, it may be more practical to break down the weight loss into three sections, one for each month. Since weight loss is usually faster early on, place the higher amount in your first month’s bucket. Then aim to lose the rest over the following two months. Once you feel your weight loss goal is in a good place, it’s time to choose an exercise program.
Choosing an Exercise Program
For better adherence, choose a program that is versatile. Studies indicate participants tend to stick with exercise programs for longer when they vary more in routine. Variance in routine is also beneficial for your body because each motion moves your body in a different way, requiring the use of different muscles. When it comes to strength training, you can switch it up by changing your weightlifting frequency, the number of sets and reps you do and the amount of weight you use. For cardio, you can alternate the distance you go or the method on which you travel (bike, paddle board or your own two feet!) Learn more about the importance of switching up your routine here.
Finding the Right Fuel
Once you have your goal in place and you have embarked on your new exercise program, it is time to consider what you eat on a regular basis and whether it is providing enough fuel, or the right kind of fuel, for your workouts. Swap foods that are high in sodium, added sugar and saturated fats for whole grains, produce, proteins and healthy snacks between meals. If you are making changes to your nutrition for weight loss, keep track of what you are eating in a food log. This helps establish accountability and may even help you curb the temptation to partake in unwise choices when cravings attack.
Ready to make your weight loss goals a reality? At Core Results, our personal trainers have been successfully helping clients reach their weight loss goals for more than a decade.
“I have already received very visible results. I have lost weight (my clothes are falling off now) and my muscles are toning up nicely. I have more energy now and Josh has given me the drive to continue with this healthy lifestyle.” Read more real results from our clients. Get started with achieving your weight loss goals. Contact us today!
