The Best Weight Loss

We live in a society that enjoys immediate gratification from fast food restaurants, microwave ovens, over-the-counter medications offering speedy relief, instant coffee, and tanning salons.  These modern day conveniences have conditioned us to expect this quick sense of fulfillment from just about everything, especially when it comes to obtaining good health.  This false sense of “instant” leads us to believe the ads we see on television and in print that say taking a particular pill can help us lose weight, or that a pair of pants can shave inches off our waist line.  There’s even those commercials asking us to purchase unique work-out gear because fitness is guaranteed or “your money back.”

Deep down, we know that it’s all too good to be true, yet we so badly want to believe that losing weight and obtaining good health is just that simple.  The reality is that while it might be a simple approach, the approach is no where near instant nor offer immediate gratification.  No one ever said that just because something is fast and convenient that it is good for us.  Total contradiction from what we see in our present day society, right?

The best weight loss approach is one that has a plan; a plan that is realistic and holds you accountable. You are the one that makes this plan a reality because you commit yourself to it – every day.  It’s important to point out that while there are many ways to secure weight loss and better health, some are substantially better than others because of their success rate.  Here are a few statistics to consider from the American Journal of Medicine regarding weight loss solutions:

• Popular diet programs have an overall weight loss success rate of 5%.
• Gyms, health clubs, and group classes have an overall weight loss success rate of 11%.
• Average boot camps – 17%.
• Personal trainers – 80%.

So why the big jump in weight loss success with a personal trainer?  In one word – accountability.  Having a partner walk beside you on your journey towards your wellness goals is key.  A personal trainer will keep you on track, know how far to push you, help to prevent injury, offer no negative side effects (like some diet programs), and have your best interests in mind as your success is their success.  It’s true that the best weight loss solution is the slow and steady approach.  Gradually building a solid foundation of health and fitness helps you learn new habits to live a new lifestyle plus have a deeper appreciation for your hard work because YOU did it!!

Who’s your accountability partner?