Keeping Fit...with Kirk Matthews

Editor’s note: Kyrene Corridor fitness trainer Kirk Matthews will respond  to readers’ questions in a new column that will appear regularly in Wrangler News.

Dear Kirk:
I have a class reunion to attend next summer and I want to lose 25 pounds by then. But I hate the idea of sweating and slaving away on a stairstepper.  Should I just go on the Atkins diet? -- Sherry in Tempe

Dear Sherry:
I think it’s safe to assume you aren’t one of millions of Americans looking for a quick fix, because you’re allowing almost a year to reach your goal. And, while the Atkins diet does have some sound principles in its design, you should always take a look at why you have this extra weight before you begin a program to change your body composition.

You didn’t tell me anything in your e-mail about your current workout or exercise regimen.  I often find when consulting with a new client that there’s been a major reduction in physical activity in the past 5-15 years with little, if any, change in diet. So the main lifestyle change in this case really should be an increase in physical activity.  Hate the idea of a hard workout?  Then you’ll be happy to learn that a safe, yet challenging, increase in activity does not have to involve endless hours slaving away at your local gym. You could begin with walks in your neighborhood, short bike rides, swimming, occasional hiking, and so on.  Eventually, you should add some form of resistance training with machines or free weights for added benefits.

Regarding the Atkins approach: The primary change in body composition in the first phase of the program is almost always a huge loss in water weight.  It looks impressive on the bathroom scale, but is rarely a permanent change for the better.  Some local critics have questioned the wisdom of losing water weight in Arizona’s harsh climate, and I agree.  Since you’re willing to take some time to reach your goal, I’d encourage you to really examine Atkins’ dietary principles or those of any of the other current respected authors on the subject of healthy eating. Better yet, hire a qualified nutritionist (I know a good one, e-mail me for details) to see what you can learn to help you in your goals.

To summarize--Dietary changes: probably. Increasing your physical activity: Definitely!

Kirk Matthews holds CPT and ACE certifications. Email questions to him via editor@WranglerNews.com.

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