When losing weight, you don't want to become a smaller, softer and scrawnier version of your current self.
"The art of getting into shape can be likened to the art of sculpting; the body you want is already there, you just have to chisel away at the fat while sculpting the muscles."
To resemble a shapeless, weak ironing board shouldn't be the objective! What you really want to be working towards is becoming a smaller but stronger and in shape version of your current self. Wouldn't you agree? Unfortunately, many people who embark on a weight-loss journey tend to achieve the ironing board outcome. Why? Because they don't really understand the difference between losing weight and getting into shape, and think that both are one and the same. They believe that by losing weight, they will automatically get into shape, which just isn't true. You see, people who lose a lot of weight without a structured nutrition and workout routine generally lose both fat and muscle mass 👎 This tends to result in them becoming smaller, softer and 'scrawnier' versions of themselves. Those who get into shape, on the other hand, lose fat BUT strengthen and build muscle at the same time👍 Instead of losing the booty they have and resembling the ironing board, for example, they build, strengthen and shape it. They realise that diet alone or running on a treadmill each day won't get the job done; that having a strength training routine is the key. Now I know strength training can be daunting, especially if you've never done it before or have knee, hip, back or shoulder issues. Or if you're 'too old'. Such people, however, are usually the ones who need to do/benefit from it most! When done right, it can be done safely and progressively with confidence, and as opposed to old injuries cropping back up or getting worse, symptoms can be managed or kept at bay entirely. But how do you do it right? Your best bet would be to hire a coach that will take the guesswork out of things for you... Someone who will guide, direct and build you up at your own pace. If you can't hire one for whatever reason, it doesn't mean that you can't build a solid foundation by yourself but. You can. You need to just start with the basics: 1. Bodyweight squats 2. Press ups Forget about all the other exercises out there for now, and just focus on these ones. If you can't do a bodyweight squat correctly, it would be foolish to start doing squats with weights. Or if you can't do a basic kneeling press up, trying to do full ones off of the knees would be foolish too. So start slow. By doing so, progress will be quick. Once you nail down the basics, you can then begin to turn things up a notch. Bodyweight squats can turn into weighted squats. Kneeling press ups can turn into full ones. And so on.. You should only add layers when progress is made!
The art of getting into shape can be likened to the art of sculpting; the body you want is already there, you just have to chisel away at the fat while sculpting the muscles.
The tools you use shouldn't be picked randomly. Instead, the ones you choose should be the ones that get the job done best: basic nutritional habits and a structured strength training programme.
If you need help organising and putting these tools into practice, then click here to schedule a quick call with myself and I'll see what I can do to help :)
Until next time,
Coach Alan
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