Guest Post: Andi's Tips

I was contacted by blog reader Andi (that is exciting to say...somebody actually reads my blog) who asked if she could do a guest post. Andi is a local Idahoan. I am excited to share with you her tips for weight loss as she is her own weight loss success story losing 60 pounds.

Focus on Why You Want to Lose Weight

A lot of people venture out on their weight loss journey simply wanting to be skinnier. They want to have smaller arms, legs, and all but eliminate their midsection. This is not always a healthy approach, because it may drive you to either lose weight in an unhealthy way, or drive you too far with your weight loss.

If your only reason to lose weight is to have the perfect body, you will never be satisfied with your progress. We nitpick and criticize ourselves harder than we ever would a friend, and so even after losing weight there will be some aspect of your body you don’t like.

Thinking about other weight loss motivations is important to your success. Do you have children? You probably want to lead a healthier life so you can be there for them. You probably want to meet your eventual grandchildren. Are you at risk for diabetes? Do certain cancers run in your family? Weight loss can drastically improve overall health and reduce risks for cancers, heart disease, and diabetes, so that may be a great motivator for others who are genetically predisposed.

Learn What Workouts Are Effective

Surprisingly lots of cardio is not the most effective way to exercise when your goal is weight loss. When you do steady-state cardio, you are essentially training your body to be more efficient, and burn fewer calories.

For weight loss, doing exercises that use the most energy in the shortest time is typically most effective. Sprints and conditioning exercises are great, and lifting weights is also especially beneficial. Both when you lift weights or sprint your body is flooded with lactic acid, and you burn more calories throughout the day from working out for a total of just a few minutes than you would from sitting on the stationary bike for an hour.

Running and walking can contribute to weight loss, but many people run just because they feel like it is the only or best way to lose weight. If you love to run, then run, but if you don’t, then consider other efficient options!

Learn About Weight Loss However You Can!

Education is the most important part of weight loss, and in this case ignorance is not bliss. When you do not know how to do things effectively, you waste a lot of time and effort doing pointless exercises, and you waste a lot of tears and frustration when you don’t see results.

Blogs are a great way to learn a little bit more, but you have to be careful what you believe because there are is a lot of conflicting information. There are blogs written by personal trainers (like the one I write for!), registered dietitians, and nurses and doctors which can give you solid, accurate advice.

Finding a blog written by someone with similar experiences can also be a great motivator. Knowing someone else made it through the same challenges can both give you hope as well as direction. You can also reach out to blog owners to ask questions; most are very friendly and excited to talk to readers!

With weight loss, knowledge is power. You have to know yourself, your body, and what works in order to be successful-- and it can be different for everyone!

Andi Singer works with Proplus Fitness, a fitness coaching company in the Treasure Valley. When she’s not at the gym you can usually find her lounging at the Nampa Flying M, or walking the greenbelt with her pup.