Chic Physique

We the fitness industry are to blame because instead of making life as simple as possible which people can actually understand we’ve decided to complicate everybody’s life by going oh so technical. Consequently the vast majority of people give up. Good practical advice is what we at ChicPhysique recommend. Small portions, regular meals, eating the correct macro nutrients (Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats) at the right times and reduce the unhealthy items to a sensible level. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will give you your micro-nutrients (Vitamins and Minerals) and drinking plenty water will flush and hydrate the system. A good balance would be 50% Carbohydrates, 25% Protein, 25% Fat but let’s keep it simple to start with. Surely it’s not that easy?? Well yes it is but of course for some we need to look slightly deeper. But don’t go there unless you have to because life’s hard enough as it is.

Over 20 years experience as a Personal trainer have confirmed to me that a combination of a sensible diet and increased activity levels is a far more effective solution than either diet or exercise on their own. By exercising we increase the energy deficit, we increase the mobilization and oxidation of fats, we increase our fat free body mass ie muscle which in turn increases our metabolism and we offset the deterioration in our immune system which can accompany weight loss. Of course  I could go on listing the dozens of benefits, increased bone density, lower resting heart rate, greater lung capacity, etc. etc. but this article is about weight loss so let’s keep it simple.

Recent surveys have suggested that Women tend to lose weight because of vanity whilst Men tend to lose weight because of health? In my experience however dealing more with the older, over 40 client as I do, vanity would still come out tops in both categories even though in this age group health issues should be greater issues. “Over 40 and feeling your age?” is our advert and it really hits a note. I find that the thought of re capturing that lost youth and feeling fitter and firmer, whilst visibly seeing the difference is a huge motivation. Men tend to lose weight easier than women in the Over 40 bracket due to the infamous “change of life” scenario which the ladies have to go through. Apart from the hot flushes they are faced with the facts that 90% of menopausal women will gain some weight between the ages of 35-55 as their hormones go through one of nature’s transitions. Men don’t have the same biological change, their’s is much more subtle. Down loading Bob Dylan videos off YouTube ,buying a motorbike and spending more time in the garden shed may be the only hint you ladies get, that your husband may be hitting that mid life crisis.

The secret is to treat exercise as a hobby not a chore. Don’t put all your focus on weight loss but think “Fit” and educate yourself on the benefits and how your body is responding and with a controlled food intake, the weight loss will happen. The greatest diet in the world will still depend on the “will” to change. The most successful weight loss I have seen has been from people who have simply decided enough is enough and something has clicked inside their heads that no matter what, they are going to reach their goals.A statement from the National Task Force on the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity best sums up the difficulty in losing weight. “Obese individuals who undertake weight loss efforts should be ready to commit to lifelong changes in their behavioural patterns, diet and physical activity”. On a final note here’s something to think about. Next time you have a slice of pizza, just think that it will take 1 hour of swimming to burn those calories off!!

Chic Physique would like to apologise to Pizza hut for any damages caused.

Sleep well……..