This is going to be one of my most basic blog entries. I’ve been working on this shoot with a trainer who developed a class that combines cardio and a resistance training element. Long story short, I had the opportunity to meet a few of his students who had these unbelievable tales of success. Women who had been feeling matronly after multiple children and now felt great about themselves and their bodies. A man who lost over 100 pounds. Stories of individuals who had “given up” and just accepted that “this is the way they were going to look and feel for the rest of their lives.” Someone had suggested the class to them, and after a short period of time, they began to see the results.

Talk to them today and they’re vibrant, hopeful, and happy.So do you want me to tell you why these people were all successful at reaching their goals? Some (most) wanted to lose weight, some didn’t have a lot of time to exercise, a few just wanted to lean up, a lot were woman who had babies and couldn’t get their old body back, and a couple just wanted to get energized from exercise. Imagine that one.

OK, so the question: Why were so many of his students successful?

• Work: They all went to the class and did the work. They didn’t slack off and waste their time. They worked for the duration of the class.

• Fun: Now this one is key. Because they were working, the class needed to be enjoyable. I’ve found that if you’re doing something you hate, you won’t do it for very long. The trainer made the class fun. Simple.

• Consistency: Each student went to the class religiously.

• Information: They had the right combination of ingredients to achieve their goals. There was enough cardiovascular activity along with some resistance training, and they all ate a sensible diet. If I need to get into what the food part means, please go back and read some of my older blog entries.

• Readiness: Lastly, they were all ready to make the change. Each student needed to be ready to be successful. To have it go their way. Not to fail. Sometimes people think they want to lose weight or get in shape, but they really haven’t convinced themselves of that. It’s almost as if the individual can’t envision themselves healthy or happy and feeling great. People use that as a way to block out really living, really going for it. Don’t we all have the right to feel great about ourselves? I’d say.

I’m keeping it simple with this blog, because as I learned from the students, at times simple is the most effective. Ask yourself which one of the ingredients are you missing and how you can go about getting it in your life.

Listen, none of these people had an “S” on their chest. These were what I call ordinary people (moms, college students, working men and women) doing extraordinary things-making it happen for themself. It occurred to me, “Who couldn’t make the change?” If these individuals could make such incredible changes, then everyone who really wants to can as well.

I have seen the story told a hundred times, and the end is always the same if you’ve got all these ingredients. There is no magic. It’s just basic science. You just have to believe.

by Gabrielle Reece

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