Three Obstacles to a Life-long Lean Body

Even with the perils of obesity-related conditions at an all-time high in the U.S., our waistlines continue to grow.

And as our bodies accumulate excess fat cells, our kids watch intently, and follow suit, only at a faster pace.

Is it inevitable? Are the behaviors which have led to this epidemic unavoidable?

No.

But all the alarming statistics, creative diets and extreme, fad-driven exercise gadgets and trends have had little effect on the root cause of the problem.

Here’s a different approach. Let’s look at the real obstacles to getting leaner and healthier that few people talk about, but are the most powerful barriers to successfully maintaining a permanent healthy body composition:

1. You don’t think the potential outcome is worth the time and effort to produce.
2. You lack confidence in your discipline and patience to follow through on the plan.
3. You don’t fully believe in the effectiveness of the plan to deliver your desired results.

Do any of these statements ring true for you? All of them? Here’s a terrific video by an expert who breaks these typical roadblocks down eloquently if you want to gain a deeper understanding the psychology.

The solution to each of the problems articulated above can be found in a simple, but powerful concept that can bring clarity, immeasurable growth and a greatly enhanced sense of purpose. It’s presented here in a simple question:

“Am I willing to question my most deeply ingrained pre-judgments?”

If you aren’t, you’re just not ready – yet. And that’s okay.

But if you are ready, that little willingness to apply a central metric to your efforts to improve your quality of life can bring a refreshing and empowering sense of freedom and opportunity. The metric is this:

“Is this thought (declaration, decision, action, etc.) in the interest of my highest good?”

When the answer is yes, great. When it’s not, or you’re not sure, stay open. The clear verdict on this will come from that openness. Be patient and keep the faith. It will happen.

Now you may wonder why I’ve devoted the lion’s share of this article to a frame of mind perspective, rather than present aspects of a more concrete, comprehensive strategic and tactical approach to the quest for a lean, healthful body composition. I’ve got you covered on that here.

But most people will never get to that level of seriousness because they don’t fully unpack the mindset first. And that’s a recipe for frustration and disappointment.

Are you one of the few? Are you truly ready to live your best life? Are you open to getting the most out of a course of direction and support that will provide you with mastery and freedom from a less-than-ideal body composition and the frame of mind that put and kept you there.

Then I can help.

If you want it.

Dan Taylor, ACE, NASM-CPT, is a 20+year fitness trainer and writer, former faculty member for ACE and NASM and owner of Pleasanton-based Tri Valley Trainer. They provide personal training and small group fitness solutions at their studio and an innovative, medically endorsed web-based group healthy eating coaching program.