I’ve been in the industry now for 10+ years, and maintaining your weight after the initial weight loss seems to be problem number one across the board. This seems to hold true, regardless of fitness level, experience, age or sex. More times than not, we always have a goal in mind, or an objective, something that we can shoot for and work towards – that light at the end of the tunnel. Of course, afterwards, we are always faced with the question “now what?”

It’s true what they say, the hardest part is not climbing the mountain, it’s staying on top once you’re there. We often work on various types of visualization and motivational techniques to help clients stick with their plan when it comes to weight loss. And the problem is just that. Don’t look at it as weight loss. What I mean to say is, if you’re coming into your workouts with the number one focus of losing weight, you’re missing the boat. You’re not focusing on what the journey of exercise is truly about.
Losing weight and looking good are byproducts of exercising. Focus on the journey, not the destination. Focus on feeling good, and in turn, you will look good. Forget about the scale, forget about the number, whether it’s weight, pant size, or dress size.

If you want to focus on a number, focus on how many times this week you worked out, how many times this month did you get to the gym, how many times this year did you use some excuse as to why you did not finish what you initially set out to do. If the means justify the ends, then focus on those means. Exercise is a lifestyle, it’s a lifelong commitment. If you just want to lose some weight for that wedding, reunion, or that trip to St. whatever, then you’ll be a perpetual yo-yo.