Before I tell you the answer to the difference between exercise for weight loss and maintenance, consider what you believe each of these approaches to exercise should look like? How do you exercise to lose weight? What are you expecting you will have to do to keep it off?
Okay, so the difference between what you have to do to lose weight and what you have to do to maintain weight is….
Nothing.
There is absolutely no difference. In fact, if you have a ‘go for the gold’ mindset during exercise for losing weight, you are less likely to stay motivated when you get to your goal weight.
The thing about goals, even if they are ‘smart goals’ is they do nothing to prepare you to keep going once you achieve that goal.
Same thing with habits when you think habits are formed over time, like 21 days or 30 days, depending on who you listen to.
Weight loss is not like going for a gold medal. What you do to get there is exactly what you need to do to stay there.
The word exercise means “to practice”. What are you practicing when you are exercising for weight loss?
- Ignoring your body’s pain and hunger signals or listening to and trusting your body?
- One type of movement, like cardio, or a balance of strength, stamina and mobility?
- Putting life on hold until you reach a goal or making self-care a part of your lifestyle?
Whether you are trying to lose weight or maintain weight loss, take a moment to check in on what you are practicing. If its not what you want for your future, start today by making adjustments so each day you are practicing what you want for your body, your health and your wellbeing.
Keep Moving, Be Well
Janet
Keep Moving Weekly 