Why Some Workouts Succeed Where Other Weight Loss and Workout Programs Fail Part 4

Why Our Kickboxing Workout Succeeds Where Other Weight Loss and Workout Programs Fail
Article 4 Step 3

Now we're getting into the third part of the Why Workouts Fail puzzle.  The reason most people fail in this area is that they do not workout properly for their goals, body and lifestyle. 

Many women and men look for the magic bullet workout plan.  In our fast food, drive up window, ADD, quick fix culture, many of us are tempted to look for the fastest -easiest way to our goal.  While this may be appealing, it is completely misguided and lacking maturity and wisdom.

INSANITY P90X
Instead, my experience shows that they people who succeed get involved in hobbies and lifestyle activities that keep them moving.  I'm not talking about full contact MMA, tackle football, or programs like INSANITY or P90X.  Those are extremes, and while extremes sell, they simply don't last for most people.  While it may be a way to jump start your training, extremes are hard on the body, especially the heart.

BABY STEPS
It starts with small changes in habits and patterns.  From taking the stairs instead of elevators, parking farther away to walk, choosing to walk or bike rather than drive, each of these activities keeps us moving, burning calories and active.  More importantly they have another interesting affect in keeping our body healthier and metobolism stoked.  You may even notice an improvement in mood.  

LIFESTYLE
Try getting out for a walk in the morning sun for some vitamin D with some basic yoga stretches and tai chi.  It could be when you first awaken or your first break on the job.  A little a day goes a long way.  Follow dinner with a nice stroll for quality family time with loved ones that is unplugged from electronic media. Meet the neighbors and take the family pet for a stroll.  This is the Cesar Millan approved approach to bring balance to your pet (and I would suggest to yourself).

MARTIAL ARTS & KICKBOXING
My preferred recommendations for exercise would include all the extra movement during the day plus choosing an exercise regimine that fuels the mind, body and spirit.  It should be a skill building routine that also allows for other mental and emotional rewards.  Martial arts is my favorite because it reinforces self discipline, self control and teaches a life saving skill.  Kickboxing and other specialized versions of this can be great as well. It really comes down to the teacher and your goals.  The important thing is getting something that works for you.  Martial Arts is a lifestyle that builds an individual from the inside out and provides the inner development and habit encouragement for a healthy lifestyle. 

Make sure you get strength training, cardio-vascular development (aerobic & anearobic), flexibility and functional movement conditioning.

Now you know the importance of goals, nutrition and a fitness hobby and "movement lifestyle" that keeps you active.  Next up will be the final ingredient to why some workouts succeed while other workout, strength building and weight loss programs fail.

All the best!

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Why Some Workouts Succeed Where Other Weight Loss and Workout Programs Fail

Why Our Kickboxing Workout Succeeds Where Other Weight Loss and Workout Programs Fail

Article 3 Step 2

In this third article in the "Why Some Workouts Succeed Where Others Fail" series I will address the important second point for success.

The third aspect of succeeding in any workout program is nutrition.  Nutrition is key to providing your body with the required nutrients to perform at it's best.  Nutrition is what fuels your body.

Think about it.  If you owned a million dollar race horse, would you let it stay up late, get stressed out, sit around and eat junk food and expect it to win races?  The ASPCA calls that abuse.  Yet that is exactly how many of us treat our bodies.  Respecting your body means providing it with good fuel and that begins with proper nutrition.

Proper nutrition means not only giving the body good foods like dark leafy greens, lean meats, beans, low glycemic index foods and a variety of options, it also means feeding the body at the right times.

Your family history, blood type, lifestyle and other factors all weigh in on how you should eat.  We are each different and need to fuel our bodies with proper nutrition accordingly. 

I encourage students to eat a serving a dark leafy greens with every meal - preferably uncooked organic veggies like spinach or broccoli.  I also advocate a peace of fruit between meals (apples are often a good choice), green tea in the morning and afternoon and lots of water (1 gallon a day).  I'm a big fan of eating every few hours with smaller portions and higher fiber.  

Another thing I've found that works is to avoid any eating plan that denies you your favorite foods.  I suggest that life is supposed to be fun and enjoyed, you just have to plan and earn those treats.  Those who deny their favorite foods tend to revenge eat, stress binge and sneak eat.  They key word there is that those less healthy choices should be treats.  You may also find ways of modifying them a bit without losing their pleasure.

  

While most people think they want to lose weight, get in shape or build strength, they often are misguided in that pursuit.  They think of it as a destination rather than a journey.  In my experience, those who succeed, see daily exercise and eating properly as important priorities for health and performance.  It is an ingrained part of their belief system. Furthermore they have honed the habit into a routine that helps them be successful.

When shopping, stick to the outside isles where fresh food is available and stay away from processed and modified foods.  Sticking to an old school farmers eating plan seems to be a good choice.  Of course, I'm not a dietitian so you should consult an expert if you are wanting more details and specifics about weight loss or muscle gain eating.  In my experience, your body will always tell you what it needs and give you guidance if you just pay attention.

Plan ahead as much as you can.  "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" and are left to your emotional impulses rather than your better judgement and health goals.   

So now you have a written goal you focus on regularly and are eating proper nutrition for your body and lifestyle.  Remember to focus on the journey and not the destination.  

It's a lifestyle. 

You can do it! 

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