What’s getting in the way of reaching your goals?

Have you been sedentary over the past several months? You may be starting to notice some differences happening (at a rapid rate) both physically and mentally. Physical exercise and proper nutrition are two areas that we have not typically been advised about and many of us are lacking in. It’s time for a change! Take action against the effects of the past year. Make yourself a priority.

Starting an exercise routine can be a challenge at any age, and it doesn’t get any easier as you get older. Being consistent with a program is also difficult, no matter what level of fitness you’re currently at.

Are you feeling discouraged by health problems, body aches, and pains, or do you have concerns about injuries? If you’ve never exercised before, you may not know where to begin, or you may think you’re too far gone and can never live up to the standards you set when you were younger. Although these may seem like reasons to slow down as you age, I have some even better reasons to get active:

• Improve overall quality of life

• Lose unwanted weight or maintain current shape

• Reduce impact of illness and disease

• Build lean muscle and burn fat

• Enhance energy and stamina

• Improve strength, bone health, flexibility, mobility, and balance

• Improve quality of sleep

• Increase cardiovascular endurance

• Boost your mood and confidence, along with relieve stress

• Improve brain function and prevent memory loss

• Plus MORE!

Proper nutrition is another undervalued tool to use for the success you’re after. Exercise is important for an abundance of reasons, but eating well and fuelling your body is so important. A common issue that I see with my clients is they aren’t eating enough! Now wait! You might think, “I definitely eat enough and maybe too much,” but surprisingly, you might also fall under this same umbrella of under-eating. This could simply be that you’re not consuming the proper nutrients required for your goals. Ideally, you work with a coach to outline a plan of action.

To determine how many calories your body needs, it depends vastly on your BMR (basal metabolic rate: how many calories your body needs to consume at rest),TDEE (total daily energy expenditure: how many calories your body burns when we factor in routine and activity), age, weight, height, gender, along with a few other things. Once we get a general calorie requirement, then we can adjust that caloric intake based on your goals of maintenance or weight loss, etc. Then we break it down even further into the amount of each macronutrient needed, such as carbohydrates, protein, and fats.

All of this can be very overwhelming, but this can be applied to your current lifestyle and you won’t have to go on a “diet.” In moderation, you can eat everything and anything you want, within reason.

Having a fitness coach to design a plan that is efficient and effective, while being safe and working within your limitations and toward your goals, is key! A good coach will make sure you’re accountable and motivated while having fun. They will take out the complicated language and educate you along the way, so you are set up for long term success.

You don’t have to go hard. You can make a big impact by making small incremental changes to your daily routine. No matter your age or physical condition, almost always, exercise and proper nutrition will benefit you! Oh and, drink your water… take your vitamins! Please consult your physician before starting a new workout regimen.

It’s never too late to get moving and boost your health and immune system. Let’s improve the way you age to ensure you can live independently for as long as possible!

This article was written & submitted by:

Jenn Daoust PTS, NWS, FSTS
jenndaoust3@gmail.com
Performance 360 Fitness
770 Richmond St. Chatham
www.performance360fit.com