5 Reasons You Are NOT Losing Weight

There are many scientific reasons why a person can't lose weight--many beyond my control or expertise. BUT...there are a few things I've learned over the years that hinder people's weight loss journey.  And you might be surprised to hear what they are...

1. Maybe you don't need to lose weight. 

Yes... you read that right.  Maybe your body is at its set point for fat loss (especially those of you STILL trying to lose those last 10 pounds).  Our bodies have a natural set point of weight, in general, and so continuing to try lose and cut weight will only cause your body to hold onto more weight or actually in some cases, gain weight. In addition, we have a false comparison in society to what's healthy.  The "norm" standard of size and appearance is not real or achievable.  Look around you, the false pretense we try to reach is computer-created.  Air-brushed.  And fairy-tale made.  

2. Maybe you are working out too much or too long.

Yes, you read that right.  Depending what type of workout's you are completing. How many days a week. How long each workout is and how much of the workout is cardio.  How much is weight training. If its high intensity. Long-slow endurance. Your age. Your current state of fitness.  How much sleep you are getting. The environmental stresses in your life.  I typically recommend no more than 30 minutes of cardio with intervals included for fat-burning purposes and to eliminate boredom :)  I also recommend strength training 3-4 days a week for 30-45 minutes.  Studies show most cardio workouts over and hour only burn energy after a certain point and no longer contribute to fat-burning...PLUS they wear down the body physically and mentally.  

3.  You aren't strong enough.

Yes, if you have been stuck at a certain weight for a while and can't seem to get the scale to budge then most likely you aren't strong enough.  I always ask women why men lose fat faster than women...and they always know the answer "because men have more lean muscle."  Well, guess what? We as women, can also improve our lean muscle mass.  Which in turn, burns more fat.  BUT this requires you to be willing to gain some weight on the scale for a while.  To build lean muscle, a person can't live in a deficit of food and excessive exercise.  To build lean muscle, one has to increase calories to feed the muscle, and one has to lift heavier weights.  

4.  You have the wrong mindset.

Yes. Maybe you have been focusing on the wrong number all along.  Because focusing on the scale weight isn't a great long-term focus.  It doesn't tell you how much weight you lift.  It doesn't tell you how far you can run. It doesn't tell you how determined you are.  It doesn't show your heart.  Your focus.  Your purpose.  It just determines the gravitational pull your body has on this earth. Nothing more.  I coach my clients to focus on more "telling" things....like weights lifted, new skills learned, new distances run, hitting the gym 4 times this week, motivating your friend to start working out, feeling more confident in your day to day activities...AND then your fitness purpose becomes more empowering.

5.  You are not consistent.

I can't speak enough to the value of having a consistent program.  A consistent coach. Consistent people surrounding you ]--on the same journey as you.  It is not effective for fat loss purposes to jump around from workout to workout. Program to program.  Tearing a page out of Muscle and Fitness this week.  Running 3 miles the next.  Doing a p90x3 video the following day.  Being sore so skipping 4 days.  And then Monday trying a Pinterest ab burner.  Nope.  There is a science and reasoning behind why programs are put together the way they are. The rest days are calculated. The muscle groups used to push and pull movements are set specifically for muscle building purposes. The cardio intervals and ratio to strength training each week are designed for leaning out and increased energy.  And I can't even speak to the value of form and technique which comes from watchful eyes on you from a coach, as you learn strength movements--after a certain point the efficiency of a lift is MOST important to improve strength and therefore burn fat.  But it is hard to critique yourself to this point, a coach or a peer's eyes are needed.  And finally, consistency is best met when other people are encouraging you and are pursuing the same goals as you--showing up daily and doing the work alongside you...this is when true goals are met and are SO much sweeter to be celebrated!

 If you are looking for a program to meet these needs, to help reset your mindset and nutritional approach, to provide carefully assessed workouts and program details to fit your needs, AS well as provide a built-in community to your journey...then apply below!