7 Common Misconceptions when Getting in Shape...

Happy Tuesday team, Mike here.

A day late this week.

Yesterday was back-to-back client calls, including my latest client who wants to drop 14kg in 12 weeks to be a better role model for his kids and book a triathlon too.

He's off to a flying start having already dropped a couple of pounds since officially signing up... Hopefully, this newsletter will get you off to the flying start you need too.

Introducing 7 Common Misconceptions When Getting in Shape...

If you're in your 40s and 50s, run your own business and have...

• People that rely on you.
• Are a man of both family and integrity.
• See the value in improving your health and lifestyle step by step.

...You'll love this.

But first, let's also recognise the elephant in the room that you're average PT or "health coach" refuses to accept.

You also want to make the most of the life you've worked hard to enjoy!

Fear not, I have the recipe for success right here.

Having...

• Successfully dropped 104lbs myself.
• Helped 100's of other high-achieving men go through unbelievable transformations. untold in the fitness industry, time and time again.
• Cracked the code with my 5 pillar method, Peak Performance Blueprint. and the latest in cutting-edge behaviour change transformation coaching.

I am proud to be busting some myths for you today.

(Note: Typically my clients drop at least 14-26lbs in their first 12 weeks working with me BUT report the long-term sustainability, behavioural, and mindset changes are what they value most from officially signing up.)

Common misconception number 1:

Quick fixes work

Nope!

Quick fixes are toxic to how we feel about ourselves and support a narrative of helpless when fallen for.

Avoid.

The all-or-nothing mindset can occasionally be a sign of learned helplessness, at least from a behavioural perspective, given that "nothing" implies giving up.

Setting small aims and building solid foundations is the solution here. I know how it feels to be successful in all areas of life except your own, so we want to do this properly once and for all.

Examples of quick fixes.

• Restrictive dieting and calorie counting.
• Losing weight only to put it all back on again.
• Deprivation, guilt, shame and subsequent self-sabotage.
• Doing exercises you dislike and constantly battling yourself.
• Thinking that getting in shape means removing foods you love.
• A radical and immediate overhaul of your lifestyle, choices and behaviours.

The challenge here is also the solution.

Bad habits creep up over time and therefore require breaking down over time.

Doing that within a proven process is the best advice if you want to never have to lose weight ever again.

(Additional Note: Understanding your core values, vision, strengths, some 1-2-1 myth-busting, clear thinking and plugging into my systems designed specifically to overcome the associated psycho-emotional barriers all play a vital part in this too.)

Common Misconception Number 2:

Overemphasis On Exercise To Lose Weight

As men, we often think if we lift a few days a week or go on the treadmill a few times we're going to get great results.

The reality is there are plenty of strong, overweight and unhappy people in the gym, I used to be one of them.

Don't fall for this trap!

Common Misconception Number 3:

Ignoring Nutritional Habits and Behaviour Change

Sure you can be forgiven for ignoring your time outside the gym as nutrition and nutritional habits are a minefield when there is so much misinformation out there.

Getting some oversight from a behaviour change expert who specialises in nutritional habits and exercise prescription design whilst understanding the psychology of weight loss and has a proven track record of success is best advise here.

Instead of falling for the fitness industry trap here and signing up for some expensive boutique personal training package only to be sold supplements you don't need...

Focus on developing a sustainable system towards your goals and avoid advice online from all the "six-pack-Steve's" you see too.

Having the correct workout plan for you is key, ensuring it suits your needs, goals and body type.

You don't have to do things all at once either.

Making manageable changes and creating systems that you can stick to and being consistent is key as is making sure you're happy now and happy when you get where you want to be.

Yes "abs are made in the kitchen" but transformation happens in your mind, and then your body follows suit.

Overlook that when getting in shape at your peril!

Common Misconception Number 4:

Sleep Is Not Important.

If you don't have a functioning sleep routine that serves it can hold you back.

Poor sleep reduces energy, mood and makes you hungrier and decreases motivation; all factors that lead to weight gain and poor habits.

Caffeine will only get you so far and when consumed frequently increases anxiety, cortisol and contributes to adrenal fatigue, all of which lead to burnout.

Poor dietary choices reduce mental health and increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease too.

Good sleep improves your hormone's regulatory system, intelligence, appetite, and happiness, whilst prevening sugar cravings, mood swings and hunger pangs.

Common Misconception Number 5:

You Need To Take Supplements.

No, you don't.

You need a good diet, hydration and routine that serves you more than overpriced supplements and magic potions.

Ignore 99% of mass media marketing and products on the market, even the ones promoted by sponsored athletes.

The mechanisms are not designed for individual success but mass market sales, that's it.

You are much better off focusing on something that has a proven track record and habit-based behaviour change is just that.

Being guided by someone who's been where you are now, to acquire precise step-by-step guidance and provide long-term success you can trust.

Unnecessary supplementation causes problems as they negatively affect how the body and mind work by ignoring the fundamentals needed for the best results.

Common Misconception Number 6:

Neglecting Stress Management.

Firstly, I have a stress management toolbox all my clients get access to.

Secondly, the weight loss industry and fitness industry take some of the blame here, as this is something that doesn't generate income for them so they are not invested as I feel they should and could be here.

The Fix?

Making sure you're having fun and enjoying what you're doing reduces cortisol which in turn reduces the triggering of the amygdala which in turn reduces the adrenaline which in turn reduces sugar cravings and stress eating.

Setting small manageable aims means we can operate underneath the emotional apparatus of the brain and ensure you get better results with less effort and resistance, compounding and giving back a larger return for the effort applied.

Managing your stress, energy and happiness is the best way to leverage a system towards your most ideal goals, whether you want rid of the dad bod or like me you want six-pack abs, without being a douche.

Stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, engaging in fun hobbies and laughing daily are always recommended and encouraged.

Common Misconception Number 7:

Setting Unrealistic Expectations And Standards For Yourself

Wanting to look as you did in your 20s is both disrespectful to the past. present and future you.

It's a toxic form of self-sabotage which leads to poor behaviour and rigid thinking. Just stop it.

I'm not saying you can't achieve that goal but you need to focus on the here and now and build this out properly.

NO ignoring your emotions and relying on elbow grease alone.

Using outdated systems and following generic advice whilst expecting great results is a train wreck waiting to happen.

You'll see plenty of "coaches" charge you ￡3, 4, and 5K for their programs that don't deliver have no doubt about that. We've all been burned in the past.

Avoid.

I always encourage realistic, gradual, sustainable weight loss, rather than this all-on thing stuff.

I have proven it works for me and my clients, so it could work for you too, if you're willing to reach out and ask for help of course.

If you want to discuss this further, click on my website to book your free 15-minute call to discuss becoming one of the 3 new clients I bring on board this month.

I've also attached a video on what is and what isn't accountability in the health industry too.

Check them both out below.

Until next time...

Happy Monday, I mean Tuesday!

Mike.

#success #menshealth #mindset

#behaviourchange #habits