QuestionHey.
I'm a 16 year old female who is 5'7" and weighs 185lbs. I have been going to the gym and have been doing circuit training about three times a week for about an hour to an hour and a half. I have noticed a little bit of tone in my arms but otherwise have not seen results. My main problem areas are my abdomen and inner thighs...what can i do differently to maximize results and get rid of the fat for good?
-R
AnswerHi R,
Greetings and thank you for your question. I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I was at a seminar and I forgot to put this notice on Allexperts.
There is a principle in physics (named after the one who discovered it, but I do not remember), which says that something that is watched carefully will get different results than the same activity which is not placed under scrutiny.
The way I think this works in the body is this:
a) we notice that our bodies may have a flaw.
b) we decide that we need to do something about this.
c) we follow the traditional advice that we have been told... e.g. we exercise everyday and we deprive ourselves of foods we love.
d) we look diligently for results.
e) we do not get results.
f) we stress
g) we do more exercise and deny ourselves more of the food we love.
h) we do not get results.
i) we stress
j) the way stress works in the body is to spike insulin
k) the way insulin works in the body is to grip our fat to protect us from the anticipated stress
l) we do not get results
m) we stress
n) we do not get results
So, what to do? I see that you are a very hard worker and that this strategy has served you well in many areas in your life. For this one, I suggest you try something completely different.
1) Change your eating to complete Atkins style low-carb, but with no atificial sweeteners and add unsweetened yogurt. You can find great low-carb, natural sugar free snacks at www.lowcarbspecialties.com (note: these are products that I created and use everyday to support my weight loss of 100 lbs.)
2) Deep tissue massage or Rolfing (www.align.org)
3) Choose an expression of yourself that involves you and which takes your mind completely off your weight
4) Toss out your scale forever or at least bury it in the garage for 4-6 months.
5) Spend some time on self discovery. There are great programs out there for this... see: www.landmarkeduction.com This type of work can help you understand issues from your past that come up in your future that may cause you to feel the way you do about yourself and the foods you eat.
6) Make a decision to enjoy your life and to do things in your life that you love, and that your weight has nothing to do with you having a life you love.
7) Personally, I would give up the circuit training in exchange for massage and/or meditation. The circuit training keeps you thinking that you need to punish yourself to get the body you want.... you simply do not.
Best,
Mary Jo
