It is never too late to start an exercise program or adjust what you eat to achieve good nutrition while also losing weight, according to GemLife Woodend homeowner and former fitness instructor Danielle Formica.
After indulging in festive fare over Christmas and the holiday season, getting healthier and fitter is a common New Year resolution for many.
Petite and fit, Danielle, who is now 71, has been fielding questions from neighbours and friends since before the New Year about how to go about getting fit and losing weight in 2022.
“The biggest mistake people who embark on a new fitness regime make is to take on too much, too quickly and too hard,” said Danielle who has maintained her weight and fitness for over 50 years and works out each morning in the GemLife Woodend gym.
“Most people go to the extreme thinking that weight loss and fitness will be a quick fix, which is more than the body can handle, especially if they haven’t exercised for ages. A slow and steady progression is preferable.”
Danielle suggested starting with a ten-minute walk each day or several times a day and gradually increasing the time as your fitness improves over the weeks and months ahead.
“Once you have done that, then you can incorporate other things like walking faster, swimming more laps, or cycling further. You then may want to include a few light weights which is essential in boosting one’s muscle strength which in turn increases metabolism to assist in weight loss and fitness.”
Losing weight is more than just adopting a good exercise routine, it also requires a healthy eating program that fits into your lifestyle, according to Danielle.
“What we have to remember is that the weight we need to lose has developed over a lengthy period and isn’t going to magically disappear overnight. If you genuinely want to achieve lasting results you need to realise it is a long-term commitment and you need patience.”
Danielle, who first happened upon a career as a fitness instructor after enrolling in a course to lose excess weight following the birth of her two children, does not believe in `diets’ but believes a sensible, healthy, and nutritional eating plan is the way to go.
She said it was important for people to enjoy their exercise routines and, as far as the food intake is concerned, avoid following fads, eat nutrient-rich foods, and eat in moderation.
“No-one should totally deprive themselves of the things they enjoy. For example, cut out the extra slice of toast, the extra scoop of ice cream, do not have dessert every night, or biscuits with morning tea. It is simple but requires a gradual reduction and self-discipline.
“People are usually aware of the things that are putting on the kilos and it is usually their favourite things. Making a list of these and gradually cutting back from a daily intake to once a week will really help lose the weight over time.”
Danielle says she does not go without any of her favourite things and keeping fit and healthy has become part of her lifestyle, which includes going to the gym or walking daily and weight training every alternate day, all of which she loves.
She said the best advice she could give would be to set a goal and take little steps towards achieving it.
“If people are seriously wanting to lose weight and keep it off, then slow and steady will win the race every time. To be fit is a great feeling so don’t give up the things you enjoy, but don’t overdo it and be strong.”
It is important to consult a heath care professional before starting any new exercise or diet program.