Susan Meier's Blog - Posts Tagged "planning"
Getting Ready for Swimsuit Season
THIS BLOG IS MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN. BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT ANY DIET OR EXERCISE PLAN, PLEASE VISIT YOUR PHYSICIAN.
At least once a week my trainer mentions how difficult it is when people contact her on May 1, hoping to look good in their swimsuit on June 1.
Everyone wants a miracle and most end up disappointed. But if you start February 15--after your Valentine Candy is gone- losing one pound a week will net you a 15-pound loss before June 1. And last year's swimsuit will look just fine.
What to do?
I'm one of my trainer's regulars. With a sedentary job, I NEED three hours of exercise every week to give my muscles (including my heart) a healthy workout.
But every February we work toward losing 1 pound a week for ten weeks. This isn't a matter of wanting to fit into a swimsuit. It's part of a program for me to lose back to a good weight for me.
And note, we're taking 10 weeks once a year. Losing 10 pounds once a year. Working to keep that weight off is part of the battle.
Anyway, what am I doing? Two things.
First, in addition to my muscle-building training sessions (3 hours a week), I attend 3 1-hour zumba classes.
That's 6 hours of exercise a week. If you can't get a trainer or go to zumba classes, there are some AMAZING workout tapes for sale at places like Walmart. You don't have to buy "the latest crazy" tapes. You can get last year's craze tapes at discount prices at Walmart at probably less than half price. :)
My big suggestion? Get several tapes so that you vary your workout. Also having several different workout choices means that you'll work all of your muscles.
My second big suggestion? Start SLOW. When I began working out, I only went twice a week. So start working out twice a week. The next week take it to three times a week. Hold 3 times a week for a week or two. Then add another day.
Yes, will will be stiff and sore for a few weeks. But anything worth achieving is going to involve a bit of pain and sacrifice. By the time you get to June 1, you will probably love your workout routine and want to continue it. If you remember that...pushing through those first week becomes easier.
Also, before I started exercising with Cindy I saw my doctor to make sure I was healthy enough to exercise. I actually had a full cardiac workup.
Be wise!
Second, I use an online site called Lose-It. I put in my weight and the amount of fat I want to lose and IT TELLS ME how many calories I can eat each day. Then I input everything I eat before I eat AND IT TELLS ME how many calories are in what I'm about to eat...so that if it's too high I can make another choice.
I use Lose-It to determine what I'll eat at restaurants because they have the calorie counts from most popular restaurants.
Keeping track of everything you eat is a great way (sometimes the ONLY way) to stay on track.
My big suggestion? Don't set huge or unrealistic goals.
Using Lose-It to track your food makes losing a pound a week very easy. I can still eat out with my friends. I eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. I can still have a beer on Beer Friday.
I don't feel as deprived because my goal isn't unrealistic. But I know that I'm working toward the goal of losing a pound and I'm diligent...without being driven insane. LOL!
If you're looking to lose a little weight, especially before June 1. Now is the time to start.
Your weight loss months don't have to be god-awful. You can fold your plan into your regular day if you're careful and smart. And on June 1, you'll fit into last year's suit or maybe be in a position to buy a new, smaller one.
Happy Reading
susan meier
At least once a week my trainer mentions how difficult it is when people contact her on May 1, hoping to look good in their swimsuit on June 1.
Everyone wants a miracle and most end up disappointed. But if you start February 15--after your Valentine Candy is gone- losing one pound a week will net you a 15-pound loss before June 1. And last year's swimsuit will look just fine.
What to do?
I'm one of my trainer's regulars. With a sedentary job, I NEED three hours of exercise every week to give my muscles (including my heart) a healthy workout.
But every February we work toward losing 1 pound a week for ten weeks. This isn't a matter of wanting to fit into a swimsuit. It's part of a program for me to lose back to a good weight for me.
And note, we're taking 10 weeks once a year. Losing 10 pounds once a year. Working to keep that weight off is part of the battle.
Anyway, what am I doing? Two things.
First, in addition to my muscle-building training sessions (3 hours a week), I attend 3 1-hour zumba classes.
That's 6 hours of exercise a week. If you can't get a trainer or go to zumba classes, there are some AMAZING workout tapes for sale at places like Walmart. You don't have to buy "the latest crazy" tapes. You can get last year's craze tapes at discount prices at Walmart at probably less than half price. :)
My big suggestion? Get several tapes so that you vary your workout. Also having several different workout choices means that you'll work all of your muscles.
My second big suggestion? Start SLOW. When I began working out, I only went twice a week. So start working out twice a week. The next week take it to three times a week. Hold 3 times a week for a week or two. Then add another day.
Yes, will will be stiff and sore for a few weeks. But anything worth achieving is going to involve a bit of pain and sacrifice. By the time you get to June 1, you will probably love your workout routine and want to continue it. If you remember that...pushing through those first week becomes easier.
Also, before I started exercising with Cindy I saw my doctor to make sure I was healthy enough to exercise. I actually had a full cardiac workup.
Be wise!
Second, I use an online site called Lose-It. I put in my weight and the amount of fat I want to lose and IT TELLS ME how many calories I can eat each day. Then I input everything I eat before I eat AND IT TELLS ME how many calories are in what I'm about to eat...so that if it's too high I can make another choice.
I use Lose-It to determine what I'll eat at restaurants because they have the calorie counts from most popular restaurants.
Keeping track of everything you eat is a great way (sometimes the ONLY way) to stay on track.
My big suggestion? Don't set huge or unrealistic goals.
Using Lose-It to track your food makes losing a pound a week very easy. I can still eat out with my friends. I eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. I can still have a beer on Beer Friday.
I don't feel as deprived because my goal isn't unrealistic. But I know that I'm working toward the goal of losing a pound and I'm diligent...without being driven insane. LOL!
If you're looking to lose a little weight, especially before June 1. Now is the time to start.
Your weight loss months don't have to be god-awful. You can fold your plan into your regular day if you're careful and smart. And on June 1, you'll fit into last year's suit or maybe be in a position to buy a new, smaller one.
Happy Reading
susan meier
