Fitness Tips

Erik's Weekly Fitness Tip | Lose Weight Once and For All

Lose Weight Once and For All
 

Can You Guess The Most Frequent Fitness Question I Receive?

On average, I tend to get 3-5 emails a week of people asking me how to lose weight. I think this question is so popular because losing weight is no easy task, not to mention the emotional component that is often associated with it. Factor in a fragile self-esteem and high stress levels and suddenly you've got a whole lot of people who are unhappy with the excess baggage weighing them down.

Don't. Give. Up.

Here are some quick tips (besides exercising regularly, eating well, and controlling portions) that will help you lose weight once and for all.

  1. Set small realistic goals that can be achieved in 4-5 weeks.
  2. Do not try to make drastic changes all at once. Instead, start with trying to eat healthier and sneaking in a few walks during the week for the first couple of weeks. Remember, creating new habits that last takes time.
  3. Eat higher quality food. 
  4. Stop feeling guilty if you have a bad day or two. Guilt and fear are some of the two most detrimental emotions. Let it go, forgive yourself, and move on.
  5. Have patience! Anything worth having takes time. Let each week's accomplishments motivate you for the week ahead. Some weeks you will feel great about your progress and other weeks you won’t. Just keep pushing forward and keep your eyes on the prize, a healthier YOU!

*image by Lauren McKinnon, Flickr

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Erik's Weekly Fitness Tip | How Beth Got Her Health Back

how beth got her health back
 

About four years ago, Beth (one of my clients) decided to make some positive health changes. She cleaned up her diet and began walking every single day. While using the app MyFitnessPal to keep track of her food in-take she noticed that, like many of us, she was consuming way more calories than she needed. After making some adjustments, she continued down the path towards a healthier lifestyle. 

Before she knew it, her ‘daily walks’ turned into ‘half marathons’. Her ‘fast food’ became ‘lean protein and veggies’. Her 5lb dumbbell routine’ became ‘180 deadlifts and kettle bell circuits’.

Beth is a success in every sense of the word, all due to her hard work and dedication. Not only has Beth maintained her weight loss, but she continues to push the envelope to see how far she can go both physically and mentally. Congratulations Beth for reclaiming your health, it has been an honor (and a blast) for me to watch your transformation.  

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Erik's Weekly Fitness Tip: Don't Age Without a Fight

old age
 

Fitness should be an important part of your daily life no matter what your age. But what happens when the aging body starts to interfere with your workouts, hobbies, and daily routine? As of late, one of my clients (who is in his early 80s) has experienced a loss of strength. Daily activities that he once did with ease, are now proving to be quite the challenge. He is finding that simple tasks now take more work, moderate tasks are now intense and intense tasks are impossible. 

While aging is inevitable, that doesn’t mean we should go down without a fight. Instead of surrendering to Father Time, I recommend you channel your inner toddler and fight back. Scream, kick, and throw a tantrum if you have to. Do whatever it takes to keep yourself in good health. 

What’s the best way to fight back? 

Strength training. Though lifting weights won’t stop us from aging or heal all of our ailments, it will do wonders for your mobility. Preserving the muscle is essential for maintaining strength in old age. If you lose your strength, your world will get very small, very quickly. 

*image by Flickr

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