What's the Best Place to Go to Start Losing Weight? At Home.
By Kristen Brooke Beck
Content Updated on June 4, 2010
There's nothing wrong with going to a fancy gym, weight loss camp, or support group. In fact, I whole-heartedly support such groups and organizations because they can truly make the difference between continuing on unhealthy paths and starting a new healthy lifestyle. (I participate in groups and belong to a fitness club, and I love them.) However, I often hear people make excuses for why they don't get involved in those programs, or worse, I hear people say that they think you MUST be in those programs to get healthy, but it's just not true.
For some people, the best place to start a weight loss program is right in your own home.
"I can't go to the gym today because..." Excuses, Excuses
The Problem with Fees
Some people believe that they have to be a part of an expensive club or pay huge membership fees. What happens when you can't afford those fees? Well, lots of people just give up. But you don't have to pay money to start exercising every day, and you don't need to buy special pre-packaged foods to start eating healthy. You just need to get educated about basic fitness and nutrition, and you can do all of that online for free.
The Problem with Distance and Time
For soem people, if their gym, club, group, etc. is more than 3 minutes away, they find a reason not to go.
- "My car broke down."
- "The weather is too bad to walk in."
- "It's too far away."
- "It takes too long to drive there."
- "I don't like going out at night."
- "I don't like going out in the morning."
If you don't go, you won't get any benefits from your fancy membership, but most of the time, you don't need to go anywhere to get started. An excellent place to begin is in your own living room. You can start exercising while watching TV no matter what the weather outside is like. If you'd like to venture outdoors, go for a walk or jog. No special equipment required (except some shoes and maybe a jacket for chilly days).
External Motivation and Empowering Yourself
Some people rely completely on programs to motivate them to lose weight. Sometimes though, programs disappear. Gyms can shut down, trainers can change, and consultants can move away, all of which can leave you hanging. Instead of giving up, remember who was really in charge of your weight loss program all along -- you.
When you have a program you can do at home, by yourself, you know that you'll always be around to rely on. When you keep tabs on your progress, design your workouts, and pat yourself on the back, your coach, cheerleader, and star player are always there for you. Don't turn your nose up at weight loss programs because they can be a huge benefit to your weight loss efforts, but don't get caught thinking that they're the only way you can get motivated. You can rely on yourself, empower yourself, and make a huge difference in your own life.
Homebase and Headquarters
To avoid those nasty excuses and lack of institutional support that can sometimes happen, the foundation of your weight loss plan should be your home and your everyday lifestyle. This is where you gained weight. This is where you will lose it.
Become Your own Fitness Guru
Research nutrition and fitness yourself. Become your own expert. Ignore the fads and stick with the information that has stood the test of time. Create a fitness routine you can do in your home as well as in your own backyard or neighborhood. Create a nutrition plan that fits your lifestyle, likes, and dislikes and can be used at home or away from home.
Create Your Own Support System
Find friends, family members, coworkers, or neighbors who will embark on their own weight loss journey and get fit with you. Find a support group you can access from your telephone, online, or in person. Start watching shows about fitness and reading fitness magazines to inspire you.
Most of all, be your own biggest fan. You are the one person who will be by your side every second of the day, every day of the year, every year of your life. You're own pride is the support that matters most.
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Creating Your Own Weight Loss Plan
Psychological Obstacles of Weight Loss
Ways to Stay Motivated to Lose Weight