Health and Fitness A Series

By far, the singular question everyone asks the dancer is "How Can I lose some weight?" So this series of questions and answers that I'm often asked will start here.

The human body is an amazing machine and you can't possibly not believe in a Divine force if you understand the mechanics even a little bit. And scrambled into the human condition of body, mind, spirit marches the ego and it's all powerful wants and needs. All of us know that weight is simply calories in and calories out and that no weight loss occurs unless we expend more energy than we consume. So we are left with the simple challenge of changing our habits since, obviously, if you're asking the question, your equation isn't working for you.

I'm unable to tell you what you are willing change. Only you can do that. But any one of the following will work-FYI. In other words, do one of these consistently and you will lose weight!

• Will it be different eating habits?
• Will it be a different fitness routine?
• Will you give up driving and walk, bike, or run everywhere?
• Will you stop eating dairy products?
• Will you stop eating meat?
• Will you stop eating processed foods?
• Will you vow to not eat after 7:30pm every night?
• Will you give up alchohol?
• Do you have other areas of your life where you're disciplined?
• Can you develop disciplined behavior?
• How badly do you want it?
• Are you willing to devote time to it?

Professional ancers are considered some of the world's finest athletes. Physical endurance training six day a week all day year round necessitates learning about the body, specifically your body. Everyone is wired differently but we know what we want and what we don't want. Or do we? The discipline required to study an art form is unique in this culture but anyone can master their own mind but not without effort.

1. First develop a plan (or follow someone elses)
2. Find a buddy, a partner, or supportive confidant to hold you accountable
3. Follow the plan
4. Achieve results

So we see the process is simple to understand, uncomplicated to devise, BUT (there's alway a but, and yes, you will always have a butt) discipline is the magic element.  If I told you this bottle of 500 pills I'm giving you would drop the pounds, you'd take the pills consistently, wouldn't you? And hopefully you've disciplined yourself to brush your teeth each night before bed. So yes- if you want it bad enough, you'll do it. Otherwise, accept yourself the way you are and stop whining.