Getting motivated to lose weight is the easy part but remaining inspired to stay the course is tough. We're inundated with opportunities to go on a diet vs. a lifestyle change, try this fad weight loss plan or this fad workout and it's no wonder most of us fail. Two and half weeks ago I began working out everyday, something I've never done before. I know that in order to keep myself mentally motivated I needed to find a source of inspiration when that little voice fills me with doubt that I can't meet my weight loss goal. Then, out of the blue, Mark Salinas began following me on Twitter and I became inspired.
Mark's story is one you may be familiar with, as he at one time was at a healthy weight, but ate whatever he wanted and as time went on, his weight increased. He kept putting off exercise and making excuses until one day he just made the commitment to tackle a healthy lifestyle head on and joined Lifetime Fitness. Mark weighed in at 250 lbs but now, a year after starting his fitness quest, he is a healthy and trim 190 lbs. Wanting to know more about his success, I asked him a few questions...
Shannon: What types of weight loss products/activities have you tried in the past?
Mark Salinas: I have tried Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach, Jenny Craig and many other diets. No GO!
Shannon: What prompted you to get that gym membership and make a commitment to health & fitness?
Mark: My children and my family. I want to enjoy my time with the kids and be around for a long time. I wanted to be more active and enjoy life! I knew it was time for me to take this thing head on and I was going to win!
Shannon: What has been the hardest part of changing your lifestyle?
Mark: Accepting minor setbacks as just that…MINOR. For example, eating a big bowl of ice cream and feeling okay about it. I would just add an extra 15 minutes to my cardio the next day. I found that the hardest part of weight loss was the food…I love food! I decided to take the food thing in steps. I would first cut out fast food then sugar. In the meantime I would push myself to do an a.m. workout 5 times a week.
Shannon: What has surprised you as the easiest?
Mark: Staying motivated.
Shannon: Now that it has been a year, do you find that you sometimes fall back into old habits or have you basically “retrained” yourself in the way you eat and workout?
Mark: Of course, occasionally I will take a “step back,” for example I might have consecutive family gatherings over a weekend and I will eat more than I should. In the past I would have the “all or nothing” mentality and after just continue down the slide. Now I just turn it around and get back at it! A day or two off…no biggie!
Shannon: What words of advice can you lend to anyone out there who may be feeling defeated by their weight and aren’t sure they have the mental strength to keep up a healthy lifestyle and fitness routine?
Mark: Write down what your long term goals are and work backwards. Each day take a step forward, do the little things to stay active, take the stairs instead of an escalator, park further away at the store, mow the lawn, go for a walk after dinner. If you miss a day, no worries! Understand your body, a heart rate monitor has been key for me. With a HR monitor you can understand your zones and what your body is doing. These things will make a huge difference! If I can lose 50+ lbs anybody can! You deserve to feel good about yourself! Knowledge is important…learn, learn, learn!
You can keep up with Mark and follow his Healthy Living Today blog. Stay inspired and stay motivated!
Comments (4)
Hi ! Thanks for the mention....wow that picture is ... well very unflattering! Yikes :)
Posted by Mark Salinas | July 18, 2008 12:47 PM
Posted on July 18, 2008 12:47
But you know what Mark? I think the transformation will give others hope that they can meet their weight loss goals. You have a great positive attitude that I think is contagious!
Posted by Shannon | July 18, 2008 12:53 PM
Posted on July 18, 2008 12:53
Well well well.. Looky who I found.
Great article!!!
Posted by Strong One | August 6, 2008 10:26 AM
Posted on August 6, 2008 10:26
That's an amazing transformation! If anyone else is interested in undergoing a similar transformation...for free! Your team will be comprised of a personal trainer/physical therapist and a nutritionist. Enter the challenge here: http://www.empowerfitnesspersonaltraining.com/ContactUs.html
Posted by emPowering Personal Trainer | August 13, 2008 8:55 AM
Posted on August 13, 2008 08:55