by Detric Smith, CSCS, USAW, ACSM-HFI

One of the most common reasons that people fail to stick to their workout is because they are not achieving results. People often have unrealistic expectations about their ability to lose weight or reach their fitness goals.

These unreal goals are often the result of media hype. In some cases, individuals purchase a new piece of fitness equipment for their home, which promises to deliver the perfect body in only a few short weeks. It claims that they will only have to do fifteen minutes a day, and they will achieve the ideal shape. What many of these products fail to mention is that they not only require that the person use the product, but that they began a strict diet program as well.

Television is also adding to the false impressions that people are acquiring about weight loss. Shows like the Biggest Loser and Celebrity Fit Club are showing individuals losing weight at a remarkable rate. Although these results are not staged, they are occurring under abnormal and strict conditions. These people are also carefully monitored by an onsite team of doctors.

Weight loss is one of the main reasons that most individuals cite for choosing to join a gym or in enlisting the help of a personal fitness trainer. If this is the reason that you are considering the services of a trainer, you should discuss it with them.

Your discussion should include a number of important details. Ask the trainer about how they plan to approach your weight loss. What kind of program will you be expected to follow. This is your body and your health, and you should know how the trainer intends to assist you. What kinds of exercises do they want you to do? Another consideration is the number of times that you will be expected to work out.

Ask about any dietary changes that may be necessary. Changing your diet can speed up the rate of your weight loss. Furthermore, eating a balanced healthy diet is a part of getting into shape and being able to maintain a healthy weight. Fitness trainers frequently have a large amount of knowledge about diet and nutrition.

The last thing that you should discuss with the trainer is how long it will take to lose the weight. Although they will not be able to give you an exact timeframe, they should be able to help you set up a realistic number based upon the frequency of your workouts and your diet. Furthermore, they may be able to suggest ways that you can increase your weight loss by making further changes in your eating habits or increasing your exercise program.

Healthy weight loss is going to take time. You did not gain the weight in a single day, and you are certainly not going to lose it overnight. There are no miracle pills and no magic solution. You have to be ready for a long battle. Part of that battle is starting with a clear set of realistic goals. A personal trainer can ensure that when you do start your new life, you know what to expect and do not become discouraged if the changes do not occur as swiftly as you would like.