What It Really Takes To Lose Weight

We hear phrases like it all the time – “You must believe it to achieve it”, or “Think positive thoughts and what you want will happen”.

What do you think?

Is all we need to fit into that pair of skinny jeans just to think about how great it will be?

Attitude is important, there is no doubt about it. Entering any situation with a positive mindset is going to be helpful.

But it’s not all there is.

This is what Michael Masterson said in today’s “Early To Rise“:

“Attitude can change behavior, but it is much more common for behavior to change attitude.

To put it another way: Getting wealthy doesn’t depend as much on whether you are a positive person or a negative one as it does on the specific actions you take, or fail to take.”

Substitute “Getting Wealthy” with “fitting into my skinny jeans”, or “losing 30 pounds”, and you get what I am driving at.

You can think happy thoughts all day, but unless you take the specific actions necessary, you are not going to achieve your fat loss goals, or any other goal.

Once you take action, the magic starts to happen. Once you take the action to lose that first 10 pounds, your attitude will change profoundly. You will enjoy the sense of accomplishment and achievement, and you will have an overwhelming desire to take more action in order to lose the next 10. It becomes like a snowball rolling downhill, where momentum build on momentum, achievement on achievement.

Your attitude has changed, and it is because of what you have done, not just what you have thought about.

So what actions can you take today to get the party started?

Here’s a few suggestions:

  1. Get your butt to bootcamp. You made a commitment to yourself – keep it.
  2. Turn off the TV and go to bed. Lack of sleep has a huge affect on your ability to lose weight.
  3. Eat Breakfast. Throw away the crappy cereal. Have some lean protein and a bowl of oatmeal instead.
  4. Stop with the soda already. Regular or Diet – it’s poison.
  5. Trash the pasta at dinner. You don’t need all those starchy carbs 2 or 3 hours before you go to bed. Eat a light meal of fibrous vegetables, a nice spinach salad, and some nice lean protein. Your body will thank you for it.

There you go, 5 ways to take action TODAY that will reap benefits immediately.

Change your behavior, change your attitude.

Make It Happen!

Dean

Showing up to bootcamp is a start!

Showing up to bootcamp is a start!





Get Your Head In The Game

Another gem about Nancy!

Lose Weight Fast This Fall With Three Mindset Tips

biopicLocal women’s fitness coach says stop chasing the quick fix and focus on the basics to lose pounds and inches.

To lose weight fast we need to be in the right frame of mind. That’s according to body transformation and fat loss specialist Nancy Carlson. She believes too many people enter into a fitness plan without mentally preparing for it first.

She explained, “Quick weight loss is possible. Everybody knows that. But the challenge is keeping the pounds and inches off. And that takes the right mental attitude and social support.” Carlson went on to say, “I’ve worked with scores of men and women who want to lose weight fast, but the most successful ones – the ones who keep the weight off – are the ones who have the right mental disposition before starting.”

The fitness coach recommends the following three mindset tips for permanent weight loss:

Surround yourself with the right people

People need to understand they will need to make some different lifestyle choices to keep the weight off. And that may very well mean not being able to socialize with others who are a negative influence.

Don’t expect it to be easy

While losing weight doesn’t have to be an all-consuming chore, those seeking quick weight loss need to come to grips with the fact that it is going to take effort. Anything worth doing is going to take work. Accept the fact that there are obstacles to overcome. Another great reason to surround yourself with positive people, as they will help you get over the inevitable hurdles.

Don’t expect rapid progress to continue forever

When stating a fitness plan for fat loss many people see dramatic results right away. But as Carlson preaches in her program, people need to shift their focus from short-term losses to long-term results. Permanent lifestyle changes need to be made in order to prevent unwanted fat from coming back.

Nancy Carlson is the co-owner of Get Fit NH Bootcamp, which helps frustrated dieters achieve permanent fat-loss in a safe, fun and effective manner. Carlson is available for interview or to discuss other story ideas related to weight loss and fitness. She can be reached at 603 344-2651 or via email at nancycarlson@cr8health.com. For even more information please visit http://GetFitNHwomen.com

Introducing our newest blogger – Gretchen!

Nancy and I are thrilled to introduce our new contributing blogger – the incomparable Gretchen Wolfe! As trainers, we have one perspective on training and nutrition, and it is easy for us to get caught speaking from only our viewpoint, as totally and absolutely correct as it might be! 🙂

Gretchen has agreed to offer her viewpoint on training, nutrition and women’s specific challenges from the “non-trainer” perspective, and I know after reading what she has to say, you will want to keep up on her adventures. Soon she will have her own spot on our new women’s site, GetFitNHwomen.com, but for now she is hanging out with us here. Thanks Gretchen, we look forward to your wisdom!



Hi fellow bootcampers, my name is Gretchen. I’ve been going to BooT now for 12 months… a whole year! and guess what?! I still love it… I can’t even begin to tell you how many health programs I’ve attended over the years and they never stuck, or should I say I never stuck to them. Boredom mostly, it’s too far to travel, I don’t have time, you get the idea… the so called ‘trainers’ that were supposed to be helping me, but beyond the first day never got involved in my training… need I say more?
So let me tell you how I ended up at Get Fit NH Bootcamp… my friend and neighbor told me about Dean and Nancy’s program, she said I just had to try it out. Let me tell you, it was unlike any other fitness program I’ve ever tried. I gotta tell you Bootcamp is challenging, exciting, and different every day. There is no getting bored with the same ol’ same ol’.
The first month was a much needed distraction, at the time my Dad, was dying of cancer. Little did I know that Bootcamp would change my mind, body and spirit. I had been down this road before with my mother, she passed away 5 years ago also from cancer, at that time I gained 60pounds. I managed to lose 40 lbs by walking away the pounds but, I knew this time around I needed something more. Dean and Nancy were put in my path of self destruction and I’m grateful for them. Every month after that first one has been for my mental health. I looked forward to the one hour, 4 days a week, I could forget my troubles and enter into my own little zone where it was ‘all about me, and challenge myself’.
As I reflect on the past year of attending Bootcamp, where am I now? Well, I haven’t lost any weight but I haven’t gained any either. That is my own fault, I have yet to adopt a healthy eating plan. But, that’s been ok for me. Have I made some changes? you bet! I used to drink Mountain Dew (4-6 a day). I eat more green (broccoli, spinach, snowpeas, salad etc.), I’m drinking more water, and I’m learning so much about nutrition and the effects it has on our bodies. Physically, I have lost 3inches off my waist, my pants fit differently, but the best of all is the muscle definition that I can actually see. Mentally, ok, so mentally… I’m still a nutcase but that’s nothing new… I do have a healthier outlook.
I’ve got some more work to do. I’ve got a plan! Plan out my meals, my schedule, my family. My biggest obstacle, kicking my sugar addiction. Could I do this without Bootcamp? heck no… Dean and Nancy give us the tools and the knowledge, its up to us to ‘Make it Happen’. They want to see us obtain our personal goals and will help anyway they can… so what do you say? is there anyone out there to join me? It’s baby steps… lets start with the water intake… are you drinking enough, hydrating your body? If not, lets start… today!
A toast (of water of course) ‘to health and happiness!’
Blog you later…
gretchen

Gretchen WolfeHi fellow bootcampers, my name is Gretchen. I’ve been going to BooT now for 12 months… a whole year! and guess what?! I still love it… I can’t even begin to tell you how many health programs I’ve attended over the years and they never stuck, or should I say I never stuck to them. Boredom mostly, it’s too far to travel, I don’t have time, you get the idea… the so called ‘trainers’ that were supposed to be helping me, but beyond the first day never got involved in my training… need I say more?

So let me tell you how I ended up at Get Fit NH Bootcamp… my friend and neighbor told me about Dean and Nancy’s program, she said I just had to try it out. Let me tell you, it was unlike any other fitness program I’ve ever tried. I gotta tell you Bootcamp is challenging, exciting, and different every day. There is no getting bored with the same ol’ same ol’.

The first month was a much needed distraction, at the time my Dad, was dying of cancer. Little did I know that Bootcamp would change my mind, body and spirit. I had been down this road before with my mother, she passed away 5 years ago also from cancer, at that time I gained 60pounds. I managed to lose 40 lbs by walking away the pounds but, I knew this time around I needed something more. Dean and Nancy were put in my path of self destruction and I’m grateful for them. Every month after that first one has been for my mental health. I looked forward to the one hour, 4 days a week, I could forget my troubles and enter into my own little zone where it was ‘all about me, and challenge myself’.

As I reflect on the past year of attending Bootcamp, where am I now? Well, I haven’t lost any weight but I haven’t gained any either. That is my own fault, I have yet to adopt a healthy eating plan. But, that’s been ok for me. Have I made some changes? you bet! I used to drink Mountain Dew (4-6 a day). I eat more green (broccoli, spinach, snowpeas, salad etc.), I’m drinking more water, and I’m learning so much about nutrition and the effects it has on our bodies. Physically, I have lost 3inches off my waist, my pants fit differently, but the best of all is the muscle definition that I can actually see. Mentally, ok, so mentally… I’m still a nutcase but that’s nothing new… I do have a healthier outlook.

I’ve got some more work to do. I’ve got a plan! Plan out my meals, my schedule, my family. My biggest obstacle, kicking my sugar addiction. Could I do this without Bootcamp? heck no… Dean and Nancy give us the tools and the knowledge, its up to us to ‘Make it Happen’. They want to see us obtain our personal goals and will help anyway they can… so what do you say? is there anyone out there to join me? It’s baby steps… lets start with the water intake… are you drinking enough, hydrating your body? If not, lets start… today!

A toast (of water of course) ‘to health and happiness!’

Blog you later…

gretchen



Get Fit NH Bootcamp News You Can Use

Fun Friday is upon us, and we have had another fan-tabulous week!

Our latest “Referral Rewards” achievers are sporting their $50! First off a big thanks to Yvonne for bringing new member Betsy, and then kudos to Elizabeth for sharing bootcamp with Jessica. You guys are the best!


Yvonne

Elizabeth and Jessica

Next up on the agenda is a pic of “Nurse Betty” and “Nurse Becky” both of 8:30am CDA fame. Now I know our members are extremely dedicated to making their health and fitness a priority, but I wanted to give a special shout out this week to these two ladies. Betty is a 3rd shift nurse and comes to bootcamp after working all night, and Becky has a crazy schedule that has her working into the wee hours as well, sometimes getting up and coming with only 4 or 5 hours of sleep (or less). These ladies inspire me! It’s pretty hard to whine about being tired when I know what they (and many others) do to get to class!

 

Betty and Becky


Get Fit NH Bootcamp goes pink

On Sunday, October 18th The American Cancer Society will host its annual Making Strides  walk to fight against breast cancer. To learn more abut the many ways you can fight back against breast canser year-round, visit cancer.org/stridesonline


KimRobinYvonneRachelJamieYvonne Keeping ScoreGroup

Last but not least, I wanted to share this video my bud Craig Ballantyne made. Just pretend the guy named “Brad” is Joe, and we are in business! Seriously though, you can’t out-exercise a poor diet. Think about that this weekend as you are making some choices!

Make It Happen!

Dean


I Feel Good!

Stress BustersDid you know your body has a built in “feel good” system, and that it naturally produces a chemical similar to morphine or codeine, but without the affects of addiction or dependence?

How cool is that?

This same substance can decrease pain, modulate appetite, and increase our immune response. It is a powerful mood enhancer and stress buster, and it’s yours for the taking.

I’m talking about endorphins

Now before you tune me out because you think I have been smoking some “feel good” substance myself, let me explain further what an endorphin is an how they can help you lose weight and feel great.

Endorphins are one of the brain chemicals known as neurotransmitter, which transmit electrical signals within our nervous system.

Stress and pain can lead to the release of endorphins, but in this case the stress part is not a bad thing. When you are training (“working out”) your body releases endorphins as a response to the stress of physical exercise. Some believe this release is the cause of the so called “runner’s high”.  The great news is that you don’t have to run a marathon to experience this release, as moderate amounts of exercise cause the release as well.

So how does this help us out in our quest to lose weight?

Your stress levels and mood affect many decision you make every day. Emotional eating is a response to the stress and anxiety many of us feel every day. There are few among us who at one time or another have not cleaned out a bag of Oreo’s because we had a rotten day at work. Reducing stress levels is crucial to having the right mindset to eat in a manner supportive to our goals.

There are many studies that show regular physical activity causes people just to “feel better” and keeps them from overeating or abusing drugs and alcohol. Physical activity has increasingly become part of the treatment protocol for depression. Tension, fatigue and anger can all be positively affected by simply exercising.

This is not magic, just biology. But make no mistake,  exercise and endorphin release are powerful tools in your fat burning arsenal. Drugs, alcohol, and even chocolate can’t hold a candle to this natural stress fighter.

So when life seems like it’s too much, do yourself a huge favor. Skip work, skip school, skip the PTA meeting, or skip to my lou, but don’t skip out on getting your workout in. It’s just not worth it!

Make It Happen,

Dean

The Great Balancing Act

Yvonne BalancesYesterday in our bootcamp classes we worked on our balance. It’s a lot harder to stand on one foot with our eyes closed than we may have thought!

I thought about how that “balance practice” is a metaphor for our lives. Life is full of balancing acts. We juggle family, work, duties around the home, extra activities like hobbies, and getting together with friends. When do we fit training in? Is there a way to do it all?

Your health and fitness is important to us, but it needs to be more important to you. Putting training aside, eating foods that are empty in value (or “not a food group” at Yvonn puts it) are damaging your chances of reaching those goals. Seek to balance life out. Focus on your goals. Too often we put aside what we know to be right in health because it is just too hard to do it all. Or is it?

Balance in life is conquered with planning. After all we plan for things like vacations – we know in advance where we are going, what we will be doing there, and how we will get to each point of interest. We also plan out each week. We know when we have to be at work, when our kids have soccer games, and whose turn it is to feed the dog.

Tammy BalancesBreak that down to daily planning as well.  When are you going to get up? What are you going to do first, second, and third? Do you waste time standing in front of the closet staring into the clean laundry hanging there wondering what you will wear? Do you do the same thing with the fridge? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to take some of that wasted time and make some plans in order to accomplish it all?

Take 10-20 minutes each Sunday and plan out the week’s menu. Include all your meals and snacks. Remember the balancing act? Would you rather stand in front of the fridge trying to grab something – anything – in order to feed your hungry stomach or would you like to reach inside each morning for the container that holds your breakfast and be out the door? What a sense of accomplishment, when you know you’ve attained your goals. You’ve found that balance between utter confusion leading to unhealthy choices, and the calmness that comes from knowing you made great choices in order to eat for a healthy life.

Rachel BalancesTake that principle to your training schedule. Are you always thinking of what needs to be done first? Does that include your training? Does it get shifted to last on the “To Do” list and usually remain undone at the end of the day? You need to seek balance. Your health and your fitness can’t be bottom of the list if you want to reach your goals. If one of your reasons for becoming/staying healthy is for your family, is there balance if they become the reason you can’t make it to class? Plan your training schedule like it is an appointment with your doctor. You have to be there. Looking at it any other way is less than optimal.

Planning is the key to a balanced life.  We plan for so many areas of our life until that planning is a habit. We rarely even realize we are planning any more. To obtain balance in your eating and personal training you have to plan. Don’t try to juggle life and let some of the balls fall on the ground. Plan, practice and succeed.

Thanks for letting us be a part of your life,

Nancy

YOU Make It Happen

It’s your choice…Success

Every day you get to choose…

Not what happens to you…

But how you respond…

Attitude makes all the difference…

You aren’t always going to succeed to the level of your expectations…

So what?

That’s Life.

Get off the mat and keep working at it…

There is no such thing as “failure” when you learn from your mistakes…

Now I am not a “pie in the sky dreamer”…

I don’t believe “thinking happy thoughts” is going to solve all your problems, real or perceived…

But I also know that wallowing around in self-pity is counterproductive…

You have a lot more control than you may think…

Don’t accept being less than your best…

And strive to be better every day…

Don’t wait for “it” to come to you…

Get out there and…

Make It Happen!