This is my experience and may not be for everyone. i did a 6 week weight loss challenge last summer and lost 24 lbs. i thought i only needed to lose 15 but the 24 did wonders for my high blood pressure and high cholesterol (and my figure). Perhaps my situation is not typical but this worked and continues to work for me but it requires that i have some self control as well as strong motivation.
After i lost the 24 lbs i felt great and though "what am i going to do next?" i continued my HIIT (high intensity interval training) and realized i wanted more noticeable results. I had changed my eating habits and begun eating healthy proteins, low fats and complex carbs. i noticed such a difference in my life by maintaining good nutrition with an active workout schedule.
My problems began when i began switching careers into sales. i had 2 jobs and was working 70 hours per week...not very conducive to a consistent workout schedule. i decided to hire a trainer 2 days per week in my home as i have a full gym. While my schedule remains extremely busy, i am very diligent about my diet and my workouts despite my crazy hours (some 14-16 hr shifts). I have to change times constantly to correspond with my schedule. Having a home gym is a blessing and a curse as it is convenient but it is not always easy to motivate myself after a 12 or 14 hour day. i have chosen to do what i can without causing exhaustion which means i cannot always do all 5 weekly workouts.
i have a food list that i concentrate on...its not a diet, just a lifestyle change and i eat 6 times per day to make sure i have the calories and protein to sustain my workouts.
i am 43 and am training for a bikini fitness competition in July. It is local just to get my feet wet but over the past several months i realized that even working so many hours, i can squeeze in my workouts more often than not. i am not able to fit them all in but i do my best and i stick to my food plan. i find that i am not interested in eating junk.This took time and effort and determination as well as commitment. Because of this i see amazing results. i love how i look in clothes and even a bikini...a huge plus.
A busy schedule can be a deterrent but it doesn't have to be. i still work 60-70 hrs per week, have a daughter as a single mom and have a 3000 sq ft house to care for as well as a third of an acre. i don't always get it all done and it can be stressful and i do get overwhelmed at times but it can be done. I see amazing things happening with my body and i love it. i can walk down the beach with 20 year olds and not feel a bit of intimidation.
I know how hard it is to fit it all in but fitness is possible. i know not everyone wants to train for bikini competition (those bikinis and heels are actually scaring me...) but it is possible to fit in some effective workouts for more moderate changes.
i wish everyone great success in their endeavors toward better heath and fitness. i don't mind sharing some of the things i have learned along the way so message me if you would like to know :)