Am I being Realistic?

As a business owner, I have to say that I see and hear some really weird ideas and statements. Much has to do with people's lifestyles and their activities outside of the gym. But when it comes to the "fitness questions," I am constantly asking myself, "Where did they get that from?"

On behalf of a very fragmented, often delusional, and sometimes unprofessional industry, I apologize if you have ever been misled in regards to diet and exercise.  Much of this is the result of an overeager marketing campaign for a product or company, over-hyped media coverage of a controversial study (much of which is very limited in scope or just bad science), or TV fitness "shows."

I can conservatively say that there is more bad information out there in this industry than any other, and it can be difficult to cut through all the garbage to find a golden nugget that may just be your salvation. Don't allow yourself to be frustrated by this, as it simply comes with the territory. 

Fitness is an industry where the clients and gym members have very low expectations of success, yet hope that whatever new program they begin will give them a beach body. I have yet to find another industry (perhaps advertising?) where the anticipated outcome is so variable. Imagine going to different doctors every few weeks or months, hoping that he/she might be able to help you get over your illness ...

Contrary to popular belief, here are a few keys that will set you up for success with realistic expectations:

• You will get out of it exactly what you put into it. Your exercises should be     challenging and leave you quite winded, and your food intake should support a healthy body.
• Our bodies are simply a reflection of our habits. Good habits equal a good looking body, bad habits equal a bad looking body (the exception being true medical conditions and not just excuses).
• You need to commit to exercising most days of the week for at least 20-30 minutes each time. Focus on resistance training with a minimum of cardiovascular exercise. If done properly, weight training is VERY cardiovascular!
• Focus more on how you look and feel, and less about what the scale reads. A scale is your enemy, but mirrors don't lie. The amount of fat you have on your body cannot be accurately measured with a scale.
• Measure progress over the course of weeks, not days.
• Focus on the tasks that will get you to your goals. Actions added up over time equal success.
• Focus your meals on high quality proteins, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and healthy oils. Do this for two weeks, and see what the mirror tells you.
• Don't expect to lose 30 pounds in a week. Television can create unrealistic expectations, and participants in these shows are not in a normal environment. You are.

These ideas are just a few things to consider in your journey to a better looking body, and a more productive life.

Mark Mogavero

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