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Patience, not diet, key to success in getting fit
BY RACHEL GRACE TOUSSAINT
newsletter@seacoastonline.com
NEWMARKET - As 12 fresh months stand before
us, it seems the perfect time to break old habits and work toward
something to better ourselves. And while we all have our wishes
for 2004, its the hope of losing weight and getting in shape
this new year that likely falls on the most lists of New Years
resolutions. Still, despite good intentions, a large percentage
of those who resolve to lose weight at the dawn of a new year quickly
give up on the cause, according to Rocco Boulay, a certified strength
training and conditioning specialist and owner of Health Oriented
Technologies (HOT). "Typically, people at this time of year
join a (health) club," said Boulay, "and 86 percent within
the first three weeks of joining are gone."
At HOT facilities, located at Great Bay Athletic
Club in Newmarket and Positive Steps Fitness Center in North Hampton,
however, Boulay says New Years resolutions to shape up hold
stronger. "Eighty-eight percent (of those) we serviced during
2003 are still members of the club, still working out, still doing
well," said Boulay.
Whats their secret?
Boulay says its the components of HOTs "wellness
programming." Most people stick to the programs basic
principles, he says, because they produce results while being both
realistic and healthful. While Boulay says those who join the HOT
program are likely to achieve greater success with weight loss and
increased fitness and health, he shared some of the programs
basic philosophies for those trying to shape up sensibly on their
own.
First, says Boulay, focus
on proper nutrition is "No. 1." "A healthy
body needs good nutrients in order to change," said Boulay,
who along with his degree in exercise physiology has a minor in
nutrition. "If you start putting empty calories into it, you
cant build a healthy body." Boulay recommends that rather
than going on a diet, people starting eating balanced meals containing
quality protein, carbohydrates, monounsaturated fats and omega-3
fatty acids.
"You cant be on a diet forever -
thats not easy to do," he said. "(A meal plan) has
to be based around easily accessible food that people like and eat."
Another tip from Boulay, which may surprise some, is that people
should never wait to get hungry before they eat. "People are
under the illusion that if they dont eat, theyre going
to lose fat," he said. "But instead, the body turns down
metabolism, so it can hang onto fat."
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