The Best Place to Lose Weight
Updated on July 28, 2007
It's not that fancy gym. It's not a weight loss camp. It's not even in a support group. The best place to lose weight and keep it off is at your own home.
The Problem with Fees
If you have to pay to exercise or practice good nutrition, then you are getting into the habit of paying for a healthy lifestyle. What happens when you can't afford those fees? You have to quit. You stop your healthy habits, and there's a very good chance that the weight is going to creep back on.
The Problem with Distance
If the place where you practice your weight loss habits is more than 3 minutes away, you'll probably find a reason not to go.
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"My car broke down."
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"The weather is too bad to walk in."
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"It's too far away."
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"I don't like going out at night."
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"I don't like going out in the morning."
If you don't go, you won't get any benefits, and you certainly won't lose any weight.
The Problem with External Programs
When you have a program you can do at home, by yourself, you know that you'll always be around to rely on. If you rely on external programs (i.e. programs that are completely controlled by somebody other than you), what happens to you when the facility shuts down, when the program changes, or when the person who is handling your case transfers to another state? Such obstacles can be discouraging and leave you hanging. As a result, you may give up.
The Problem with External Control
So you found a program, you can afford the fees, and you can get there whenever you want. There's still another problem -- control.
Some people like having other people tell them what to do, but most of us don't. When you go through groups or programs designed by other people, you give up your control. The group managers control when you will participate, how long you will participate, where you will participate, and so forth. At first, it may be nice because you may not know exactly what to do, but eventually you'll want that control back.
This can actually lead to resentment. You may feel stuck in the program. It may create a negative association with fitness and weight loss, and eventually you may even begin to get irritated when you just think about exercise or nutrition.
The Solution
The foundation of your weight loss plan should be your home and your current lifestyle.
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. Find a support group you can access from your telephone, online, or in person.
I'm not suggesting that all programs and facilities outside of your home should be avoided. They can be quite helpful, but you shouldn't rely on them alone. Add external support programs, trips to the gym, personal trainers, and fitness camps to your established home program. Use them for support and inspiration. Just don't place 100% of your motivation and habitual energy into them.
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