A CHANGE IN MINDSET WAS ONE OF THE KEYS TO SUCCESS IN ALEX’S STORY.

I met Alex in November of 2018. He was referred to me from a friend of his.  He was always active in his life and ate healthy but felt that his weight wasn’t indicative of all his healthy behaviours. He needed to connect a few dots. He wasn’t interested in doing a diet, and he wanted something he could incorporate into his everyday life.  Alex has busy work life that requires a lot of computer work and sitting; a desk jockey if you will. However, his exercise level is quite high, including in the summer biking to and from work. Through his journey he was able to reduce his weight from 23o to 174 lbs and his fat percentage from 32% to 16%. This his #RiseAbove story.

What do you think was the largest contributor to your weight gain over the years?

There were multiple factors, but I think that the largest impact on my weight gain was the change to a more sedentary type of work. Trying to compensate that, I’ve started increasing my regular physical activity. Now I’m realizing that the balance between that and the eating habits wasn’t quite right.   

There are many factors to your weight loss over the first year. What do you think was the largest contributor to your weight loss?

I would say that there were two main factors.  Firstly, the mindset. Understanding the real necessity of certain habits and deciding whether those actually were indeed important to me. Secondly, the regular exercise and the proper balance between eating and workout activities.

What advice would you give to anyone that is starting their lifestyle change? 

I think there is a need for commitment. It will probably be a long journey, sometimes frustrating, but keeping the goal in mind helps, because it is a nice feeling looking back at the end and see how much you’ve accomplished.  

What do you think will always be a struggle in keeping your weight off?

When I deviate from my daily routines for longer periods of time (vacations, holiday season, COVID, etc.) is when I struggle. So, I need to make adjustments from time to time.

Alex has been able to keep his weight off for two years so far, including some holiday travel and COVID lockdown. Exercising has become much easier and he’s ready to take on spring and summer cycling.  His focus on body fat percentage has changed to frequency of exercising and how far and fast he can cycle. He wants to age well in the season of COVID, work, and the demands of life.  I admire the active life he lives in a world that can sometimes make it difficult. I have seen him connect the dots and has become fitter than he can imagine.  I hope his story inspires you. 

To learn more about how to start your #RiseAbove weight management journey, click learn more below.