So you’ve decided to take the plunge and join a fitness center or get a personal trainer. You’ve got your eye on the prize—losing those extra pounds you worked so hard to gain. Maybe you’ve even decided to go for a marathon… Or better yet, a triathlon. You’re pumped, aren’t you? But before you jump into any hardcore workouts, there are some things you should know.
The Truth About Dieting
Dieting has been popularized by social media, which makes it all the more accessible. If you’re not used to eating healthy and exercising regularly, it can be hard to navigate the dietary restrictions imposed by certain fad diets. If you’ve decided to try and lose weight quickly (and who hasn’t?), then it’s imperative you understand how to do it safely and effectively.
Many fad diets, such as the ketogenic diet and the paleo diet, can be very restrictive. If you go on a ketogenic diet, for example, you must either follow a very strict vegetarian diet or eat only raw food. This can make it challenging to follow, especially if you want to achieve any sort of weight loss. On the flip side, the paleo diet allows for some flexibility, as long as you stick to the basic five foods—grains, meat, fruit, veggies, and nuts—you can eat anything you want. There’s a reason why these diets have gained popularity (and why so many people trying to lose weight have turned to them): they work. But although they provide a sound nutritional foundation, they aren’t designed to be followed over the long term.
If you’re looking to lose weight for the long term, then it’s a good idea to consult a nutritionist or a doctor who specializes in obesity treatment. They can advise you on the best diet for your unique body type and medical history, and help establish a diet regimen that will see you through to your goal weight. Once you’ve got your diet in order, it’s time to move on to the next step.
The Benefits Of Working With A Personal Trainer
If you’re looking to get the most out of your workouts, then hiring a personal trainer is a good idea. They will help you set up a training schedule and stick to it, monitor your progress, and help you find the right equipment for your body. They will also help you build your fitness base before you start to lose weight, so that when you do start to lose, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Working with a personal trainer also provides you with a better opportunity to get back on track if you slip up. If you’re training on your own, there’s a chance you’ll simply give up if you slip up once or twice. Sure, you’ll make the effort to get back on track, but will it be as effective as it could be? With a personal trainer, you’re working with someone who has your best interests at heart. So even if you do slip up, it won’t be as harmful as it could be.
The Downsides Of Going It Alone
On the other hand, going it alone can be quite challenging if you want to lose weight. If you think that hiring a personal trainer is out of the question (or if you simply can’t afford one), then it’s time to try and navigate the WW community (or another popular weight loss website or app).
There are many pitfalls that come with trying to lose weight on your own. One of the most significant is that you’re going to be putting all the responsibility on yourself. If you’re not used to taking responsibility for your health, then it can be hard to do so without any guidance. Plus, there’s always the chance that you’ll simply give up if you hit a rough patch. Or worse still, that you’ll end up doing a lot of unhealthy things because you feel that you have to lose weight quickly (and you’ll lose sight of what’s healthiest for you).
If you want to lose weight effectively and safely, then joining a gym or finding a workout partner is a good idea. It’s also a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or a doctor for advice. At the end of the day, it’s all about following a healthy diet and getting plenty of sleep. Once your body starts to adjust to a healthier lifestyle, you’ll start to see the weight come off effortlessly.