There are many reasons that prospects join a gym, but the most common reason is probably to manage weight. However, the techniques used to either lose weight or maintain a healthy one aren’t necessarily the same, according to a recent study by researchers at Penn State.
The researchers identified 36 techniques that participants in the study had to rate as employed “often or very often” or “seldom or never” for weight loss. Although, some techniques were used for both initial weight loss and weight maintenance, there was a notable difference in strategies also.
For example, people who lost weight successfully participated in weight loss programs, cut back on sugar and carbs, ate healthy snacks, did not skip meals and participated in different types of exercise.
However, when it came to weight maintenance, people typically chose a consistent exercise program that worked best for them and stuck with it.
The study noted four strategies in particular that were associated with weight maintenance but not with loss:
• Eating a diet rich in low-fat proteins
• Following a consistent exercise program
• Rewarding yourself for dieting and exercising
• Reminding yourself of why you need to keep weight off
The message is clearly that what gets you to lose weight may not work in the long-term, so it’s important to recognize the difference and adapt with other practices.
Along with many nutrition and obesity experts, health and fitness professionals need to agree that the most important strategy for weight loss and maintenance is the same: to lose weight and keep it off, you have to eat significantly healthier and do a lot more exercise than the average American.
Most clubs offer a wide variety of exercise programs to encourage and support members who want to lose weight. However, if you look at the four successful strategies for keeping weight off, you will notice that the predominant principles are based on nutrition and motivation. What are we doing to focus on a person’s mindset?
If we want to really help the people not just wanting to lose weight, but also those who want to keep the weight off, we need to motivate them to focus on long-term, permanent lifestyle changes and behaviors.
Many people will find it difficult to maintain an exhausting workout schedule with a restrictive diet. It should be our role to design a program that the member can adhere to easily and for a long time. We need to keep our eye on the future benefits of what we recommend in order to retain the commitment and motivation of the member.
Judith Samuels, M.A. is a certified nutrition and wellness consultant and master personal trainer at Sport&Health Clubs in the Washington D.C. Metro Area. She can be reached via e-mail at judi@judisamuels.com.
