When it comes to loosing weight or getting fit, there is no quick fix program, there is no miracle supplement. Even, if you find success in a 12 day plan or a recommended supplement it is not a sustainable lifestyle and therefore will not work to maintain your goals.

There are so many programs and so many promises offered out there, how do we know what will work and what will not?

Well, that is a loaded question and could be different for each individual. Finding the right program for you depends on many factors including personality, goals, fitness level, lifestyle, etc. No one specific program is the right fit for everyone.

Let’s first look at why many quick-fix programs do not work, then we can discuss which programs will work and how to choose a program that is right for you.

Why do many quick-fix programs not work?

Quick fix promises – No program should promise you success! It is not a fact that you will have success on any program. Many factors go into whether or not you will have success on that program or not, starting with your commitment. If you do not commit and go through the process you will certainly fail in your goals and that is on you!

Whether you are committed or not a quick fix program is very difficult to have sustainable success and ultimately that is what you should be looking for. In order to loose a significant amount of weight or gain a significant amount of muscle in a quick fix program you would have to put your body through a rigorous amount of training or very low calorie deficit. Both of which is not something you can manage to do long term.

Safety concerns – another problem with a quick fix programs is that safety can be a factor. These programs may contain exercises your body is not prepared to do, calorie restrictions that do not provide the proper nutrients, and supplements that could be dangerous for your body.

If your body does not have the proper foundation for the exercises in the program you could be doing damage to your body and become injured.

If your body is not getting the proper nutrients and calories it will have a negative effect on your body. Without proper nutrients and calories your body’s metabolism will slow down and fat will be stored for reserves. Which is the complete opposite of what you want to achieve. You want to speed up your metabolism and burn fat from your reserves.

As far as supplements go I have a real concern for that. You probably have no idea what you are putting in your body when you take a supplement, you just want it to work!

However, these supplements usually come with a meal plan and without that you will most likely not have much success. If you follow the meal plan, any success you have is probably due from eating better.

Also, if you look carefully, a lot of these supplements for weight loss have caffeine in them, speeding up the heart rate, which may help the body burn more calories, yes! Is it safe to load the body with extra caffeine? I don’t think so! Especially, if you have medical concerns. There is no telling how your body chemistry or other medications you are taking will react to what is in these supplements and I have real concerns taking something without a doctors prescription. So, please do not go this direction without professional guidance, and, multiple opinions.

Which programs will work?

We now know why quick-fix programs will most likely not work. What programs will work? Again, this is a loaded question, but, with these so-called rules to follow you will have more success in your program long term.

  1. Whatever program you choose there should be exercise levels, phases or progressions. This means that whether your program is a workout that everyone gets or a customized program you receive, the instructor, trainer or coach should be either showing different levels, options or modifications for each exercise, guiding you through different phases of fitness levels or progressing the workouts in some way in order to build a strong foundation first and then proceeding on to more difficult exercises, workouts or challenges. Make sure the program you choose has at least one of these elements. Look for and ask questions about this before proceeding with any program.
  2. Education, education, education – your program should be educating you, both in fitness and making the proper nutritional choices. Fitness and nutrition work hand in hand and the program you choose should be educating you on both. You should be learning about exercise basics including names, proper form, posture, muscles you are working and how to modify or advance each movement for your level and so on. Nutritionally, you should be getting tips, things to focus on or changes to make and how. You should be getting suggested meals and snacks, meal prep ideas, shopping lists, or other such helpful information.
  3. Your program should be designed for real behavior and lifestyle changes to be implemented over time. You shouldn’t be overloaded with exercises you do not know and expected to change every bad eating habit right away. There should be some process or steps to implement exercises and nutritional changes little at a time so that you can absorb the information, learn, focus and make real changes that last. Remember, there is no quick-fix, slow and steady is where you will find the best results that will last a lifetime, rather than a few weeks, months or years.
  4. Lastly, choose a program that is right for you based on your personality, lifestyle and goals.

If you are someone who will not do workouts on your own, than, do not choose a program that has no accountability. Instead, choose a program where you have to either meet personally with your trainer for your workouts, or a program that provides a coach who touches base with you to keep you accountable through the process.

If you have time constraints you need to find a program that is flexible. Maybe one you can schedule and do on your own, but, is accessible and easy to manage with some coaching to keep you accountable and answer any questions.

You also need to choose a program that fits your goals. If you are looking for help with nutrition only, look for a professional that provides that, such as a Registered Nutritionist or Dietician, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, etc. If you are looking to get physically fitter through exercise look for a program that provides workouts through a coaching program or with a certified personal trainer. If you want a program that can provide both, make sure you find a knowledgeable trainer or coach that can guide you through both. Most trainers will only be able to help you with basic fitness nutrition for weight loss, and healthy lifestyle, they will not be able to provide you with any medical nutrition advice. If you have medical nutrition needs you must see a professional in that area of expertise.

What you need to do is research. Answer all of these questions and than research several programs that fit your answers, goals and needs you are seeking. One program does not fit all, you need find your perfect match.

I have several programs available that provide many options. I offer training and coaching services onsite, in-home and online that can help you manage and reach your goals. Most importantly I provide the education you need to make smarter healthier choices.

My online coaching options provide you with an education you can do on your own with as little or as much coaching as you need from me. Here is what my online coaching program gives you:

  1. My 4 step, 4 phase program
  2. Your own personal workout app –  includes workouts I design providing levels, options and modifications you can do from your computer or mobile device anywhere.
  3. Nutritional focus and/or assessment – no matter what online program you choose you get a nutritional focus of the month with shopping list, recipes, meal and snack samples for each focus. You can also upgrade to a program that includes nutritional assessment in which I provide a more personal nutrition approach based on your particular needs and assess through myfitnesspal app.
  4. Access to my online community login which is a special site for online program members only. This is your portal to your program outline, monthly subscriber workout plans, nutritional focus of the month, challenge exercises, and any other member only information I provide.
  5. I provide several online coaching options to meet your budget. From my low monthly subscription price to my more customized two week and one month programs. You can choose a program that meets your budget needs.

Right now I am beginning to introduce my monthly subscription at a low introductory rate of $19 a month. This rate will go up so act now to get in at a lower rate. This is less than the price you would pay for 1 half hour personal training session. Here is what you get:

  1. 1 workout per month
  2. 1 nutritional focus per month
  3. Access to online community login website
  4. Trainerize mobile app which holds all of your workouts complete with instructional videos of each exercise
  5. Monthly coaching check in with me for accountability
  6. All your fitness and nutrition Q&A’s answered via email

If you are interested in a monthly subscription visit my trainerize website for more information or to subscribe.

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