It is sadly common that people people get picked on, harrassed, bullied for various reasons and keeping on the topic of weight it’s clear that people are judged on thier weight.

It is a shame to hear that the overweight can be ridiculed, teased or just simply stared at because of their size but today I want to talk about those that are bullied because of their weight loss success.

I have heard it a few times now from ladies who train with me. They eat clean, attend exercise sessions and their bodies change, fast……then comes the comment. ‘Don’t lose anymore’…..or ‘you look skinny’ etc….

That person may be aiming for a six pack with definition so perhaps they do need to lose a little more body fat….but if they are doing it correctly they will not be harming themselves but simply improving and becoming the fittest they can be.

It is usually others insecurity that makes them feel they have to pass judgement on someone else’s success. Perhaps it to cover up the fact they haven’t got the guts to step out of their comfort zone and fight for what they want.

YES it is a fight (to get in amazing shape) but one that can be won EASILY with the help of a knowledgeable trainer and a support network of like minded women.

Everyone should choose what size they want to be and where they want to stay or if they want to change. IT IS no one else’s decision.

For those that have been on the receivng end of size related comments please remember ‘what someone thinks of us is non of our business’ and keep going your own way. You are lovable and special regardless…..

What do you spend on your fitness each week/month/year?

Do you pay as you go or buy a monthly membership to a gym or fitness centre?

Do you get value for money?

What I am trying to get at is think about what you spend and what you get for it. In other words did your purchase get you what you wanted?

If it doesn’t then it wasn’t money well spent.

You know when we buy something in the sales JUST BECAUSE ITS CHEAP but then you take it home hang it up and it never gets worn! It’s the same with your fitness purchases.

If you buy it and never use it – IT WON’T WORK!

If you buy a gym membership really you are just paying for use of their equipment and if you don’t know how to use it – IT WON’T WORK!

If you go to budget classes and the instructor does not take time to plan and progress you – IT WONT WORK (ok maybe at first).

If you want serious results and you are lured by promises make sure the person/business can provide you with what you want and need.

Sometimes you have to pay for the best and sometimes the best can come for free.

If you want flatter abs you have to firstly tighten up the muscles and melt the fat layer covering them up!

Obviously eating too much of the wrong foods can cause you to put on body fat but it is our hormones that decide HERE we store this fat.

If you have a very stressful life you are likely to store fat around the tummy area.

Feeling stressed can also leave you vulnerable to cravings and overeating to make you feel comforted but this always leads to regret and not feeling satisfied with our actions.

Try another approach to beating stress (and get a flatter stomach). Find ways to relax such as

1/. Try a yoga or pilates class, they are slower and encourage deeper breathing.
2/. Go for long leisurely walks
3/. Use epsom salts in your bath to unwind tense muscles
4/. Use a quality supplement designed to support the nervous system.
5/. Remove wheat from your diet as this can cause bloating giving you a rounded uncomfortable tummy. Wheat is found in bread, pasta and most processed foods even where you wouldn’t expect it so read those labels!

What exercises do you do to flatten your stomach? The usual sit ups, crunches or maybe you have a piece of equipment that promised if you used it everyday you would have flat abs?

While the above exercise can if performed correctly create strength and definition to the mid area the plank is the one exercise that should not be missed out.

The plank will reach deeper into your core muscles and is the one that will tighten a round tummy most.

You must also melt the fat form this area to SEE the benefits of your hard work and this is done by food and bringing down stress levels (read food for thought below).

Here is a video showing you how to plank……

How many times do you hear it! Or perhaps you have said it yourself!

“That’s rabbit food!” when referring to vegetables.

Vegetables should make up a MASSIVE chunk of your daily diet. Filled with fibre, vitamins and minerals they are nourishing to your body.

Personally I love them and can binge on them as easy as I could any other food but what if you really do not like them?

Instead of having a burger and chips with a tiny token salad on the side why not have the burger, ditch the bread and treble the salad. If the only way you can eat the salad is to cover with a dressing then go ahead!

Olive oil, garlic,herbs and lemon or lime juice would be a nutritious way to flavour them (if you cannot eat them plain).

Oh and five a day is not enough! Try five a meal…..