Weight loss sabotage GINNY MCARTHUR – Outlook for Life. Ginny is not only a nutritionalist and personal trainer but also a marathon runner and regular on Newstalk ZB. Sometimes it is intentional but, most often, we subconsciously sabotage ourselves when trying to lose weight.
When these problems don’t magically disappear we go back to our old friend, food, for comfort.
I see many people who work extremely hard and get fantastic results but then sabotage everything they have done by returning to their old habits.
Personally, I think that maintaining weight loss is harder than the actual process of losing. The statistics, unfortunately, bear this out with a huge number of successful dieters putting all their weight back on again and more!
Some people hide behind being overweight and unfit then feel vulnerable and threatened when they no longer have this shield. Others put their lives on hold until they reach that magic number on the scales. They have a misconception that life will be different when the scales say the right number. But, of course, we are still the same people with the same hang-ups and problems, albeit lighter and healthier.
When we are losing weight we are usually very focused and goal orientated, but when we reach our goal weight it is hard to keep focused and working hard just to stay the same! I guess that this is where the cliché of making permanent lifestyle changes rather than going on a diet comes in. Furthermore, these changes need to
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be realistic and sustainable over time. So that you can keep your new shape and lifestyle for life! It is really important to enjoy your weight loss journey, so that exercise and eating well just become part of who you are and how you choose to live your life. I think at Outlook For Life our success lies in the combination of food, exercise and friendships formed within the group as people work together.
We proudly have members of the group who have maintained both their healthy lifestyle and weight loss for many years. These people generously share their stories and encourage our new members to keep going when things are tough. So a support group is obviously a great help. I have a one-day seminar in Pukekohe on August 23, 2014, suitable for women of all shapes, sizes and ages, on everything food, fitness and motivation-related. Email me for details ginny@outlookforlife.co.nz
Reach your peak at any age Many accept aching joints and pain as part and parcel of the ageing process, but a pain-free lifestyle is entirely possible, says Adrian Haughey. The Botany manager of Peak Pilates & Physiotherapy has witnessed the impact of Pilates and physiotherapy on lifestyles of the elderly. “So many people live with pain for years but it doesn’t have to be forever. In a matter of weeks, many of our clients say the pain they’ve had for a long time has gone or significantly eased.” Peak Pilates, which commonly receives specialist referrals, tailors programmes to address injuries or conditions such as arthritis and help
stimulate healing and recovery from hip and knee replacement procedures. “Generally, the healing process slows down after age 50 due to poor blood circulation,” says Adrian. “To avoid the risk of injury, we take the pressure off problem areas and strengthen the muscles around them.” With a combination of weekly one-on-one sessions, structural group classes, as well as daily home exercises, many report an almost immediate improvement. “Some show such rapid improvement they don’t even have to resort to surgery!” says Adrian. Importantly, regular exercise is crucial. “As we age, muscles
and joints start to stiffen up, but if core strength and good posture are maintained, people will be able to move more easily which keeps them feeling younger and more independent.” In addition to Pilates, the Peak Pilates team provides physiotherapy, sports massage, acupuncture, dry needling, sports strapping, kinesio taping, Chinese cupping as well as exercise prescription. Pilates is an effective and low-impact form of exercise for the rehabilitation of injuries and injury prevention. It is also helpful for conditions such as osteoporosis, scoliosis and sciatica. Call into this registered ACC provider today! E510326-v3
www.peakpilates.co.nz ACC Registered (No referral needed) HOURS Mon to Fri 7am-8pm, Sat 7am-2pm BOTANY 309 Botany Rd (next to Jetts Gym). Ph: 274 6000. ST HELIERS 347 Tamaki Dr. Ph: 575 6418. ST JOHNS 69 Merton Rd (Scarbro Tennis Centre). Ph: 950 6102. www.eastlife.co.nz
eastlife | august 2014 |
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