What’s in the way of reaching your goals?

During the past 12 plus months, our daily routine has changed immensely. You may be starting to notice some differences happening both physically and mentally, at a rapid rate. Physical exercise and proper nutrition are two areas in which we have not been guided and on which most of us have not improved. 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 your current level of fitness.

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
• Increase cardiovascular endurance
• Improve quality of sleep
• Boost your mood and confidence, and 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 fueling 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, you need to consider 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.

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This article was written by: 

Jenn Daoust PTS, FSTS, NWSPerformance 360 Health & Fitness770 Richmond St Chatham ONjenndaoust3@gmail.com