Have you ever noticed a guy with a lean, hard, muscular body and thought to yourself - how does he do that? Perhaps there is a pill once can take or a supplement? I am sharing the secrets all of us who, through trial and error, hard work and perserverance, have learned.
1. There is no overnight pill or supplement that will get you the results you want.
2. Undertake vigourous exercise 4-5 times per week for about an hour each session. Incorporate both resistance training to build lean muscle and cardiovascular training to work your heart. Both burn calories and fat. Muscle mass raises the body's basal rate of metabolism so you are burning fat more efficiently even during rest. If you really don't like going to the gym, then hike, bike (mountain biking is excellent exercise that incorporates strength and cardio training), climb stairs, do push ups, whatever - just be sure to get an hour of good continuous exercise on a regular basis.
3. Plan your exercise ahead of time. Book the time and the details of the workout right into your calendar as an appointment as important as that presentation to the Board of Directors or dinner with the in-laws. Unless the alternative is extremely essential, try to book around it. You have to take it seriously because it is a lifestyle change, not simply a hobby. Know your routine ahead of time too, so you can find alternatives if you should have to change it. For example, you plan to do chest at the gym. Instead, do pushups at home and keep everything else on schedule.
4. Eat, eat, eat. Eat 4-6 meals per day combining protein, fat and whole-wheat carbohydrates. Do not eat for the 2-3 hours before bed. Eating frequent and smaller meals - aka grazing - keeps a constant source of nutrients in your body and has been proven to raise your metabolism. Also, forget the low-carb craze and, instead, eat whole-grain carbohydrates. It eliminates the man-made elements, has less sugar and keeps you feeling fuller longer. Combined with exercise, this really creates a fat-burning synergy that is a sure-fired way to the body you desire.
5. Always plan your meals ahead of time as far as possible. Keeping your fridge and cupboards stocked with the right foods prevents picking up that phone for the late night pizza. Preparing lunches for work, prevents skipping out to the fast food joint. When you eat out, use judgment. Ask for substitutions that follow your diet and, if not available, omit the offenders. Don't leave anything to chance.
6. Keep healthy snacks on hand to prevent "starving". If your body is burning fat at a higher rate, chances are you will feel hungrey more frequently. No matter how busy you happen to be, having a healthy snack on hand will curb the hunger and prevent binging at the next meal. Try a protein bar or nuts or cheese in your briefcase for just such an emergency.
7. Get a workout partner or personal trainer and meet regularly to consult and discuss. Keeping track of your progress with someone else helps a great deal in affirming your goals. You are less likely to cheat or fall of the wagon if you have to face someone each week. Two heads are better than one so they say and, if you are having problems keeping up the plan, you have another voice to help come up with a solution.
Now that you've been let in on the secrets, try them for a month and watch the results. You will be amazed!!
