Weight Loss Is Not The Most Important Goal.

Last week while performing a consultation with a prospective client, I asked… what is your motivation for joining a gym? I could have scripted the response… I want to lose weight the prospect responded.

Setting weight loss goals is probably one of the most difficult things to do when you embark on and exercise or weight loss program. How much do I need to lose? That question is hard to answer and is often based on your particular goals.

Weight loss is one of the biggest reasons many people exercise in the first place. But it’s certainly not the sole benefit of an exercise program.

The long-term goal of weight loss is sold too heavily to people starting fitness programs, and that can be discouraging. Based on feedback provided clients and my personal assessment, people have trouble sticking with something if they don’t see results quickly.

So whatever weight loss goal you have when starting a fitness program, don’t make it your only goal. Strive to feel better, to have more energy, to be less stressed. Notice the small things that exercise does for you quickly, rather than getting hung up on the narrow goal of the number on a scale.

If you are determined you need to lose weight, your next step is to set a reasonable weight loss goal for yourself. You can base your goals on any number of factors, but a great place to start would be the general recommendations set out by the American College of Sports Medicine which are 5-10% of your body weight or one to two pounds per week.

Personally, I believe with the goal of losing weight and enhancing health, people should think more about the level of functioning in the activities of daily living, which can serve as greater motivation to achieving a healthier, stronger and more fit body.