When trying to lose weight and get in shape, ever feel like giving up?

See if this sounds familiar. Youre dieting and exercising. One moment you feel like youre on top of your game. You feel great. You feel like you can do this forever.

The next minute, youre telling everyone who will listen how sick you are of dieting and exercising. Please dont feel like youre alone.

I totally understand this feeling. Think about it. After Ive trained people all day long, do you think I say to myself, Oh boy, now I get to work out? Its tough sometimes, but you still can do it. You can make real changes to your body, even if youve failed a thousand times before.

One of my clients who drives all the way from Charlotte, said she had tried just about every diet, and exercise program she had heard of, but she gave it one more try, and has lost 71 pounds so far.

There are a variety of reasons we sometimes feel like giving up on our exercise and diet programs. One of the biggest, is we dont see results fast enough. Remember, changing eating habits, and starting an exercise program are lifestyle changes. These changes should be done slowly.

Some folks dont stick to their program because they dont think its fun. I explain it to clients this way. I doubt you wake up every morning, and say to yourself, I cant wait to get in there and brush my teeth, cause Ive been looking forward to it all night long. No, of course not. The reason you get in there to brush your teeth is that the alternative is much more painful.

View your exercise and diet program the same way as just part of your daily routine.

Also, dont give up and binge just because youre not motivated at any particular moment. If you dont feel like eating clean, or going to the gym one day dont. Youre not going to destroy your whole program, just because you take a day off.

Another reason some people get frustrated is they dont know how to put their exercise and nutrition programs together. Get help from a professional. They can not only help keep you motivated, but can guide you through all the nuances of diet and exercise. &bsp;

Fitness or nutrition questions?&bsp; Email me. dwcrocker77@gmail.com, or go to fitness4yourlife.org.

David Crocker of Landrum has served as strength director of the Spartanburg Y.M.C.A., strength coach, S.C. state champion girls gymnastic team, USC-Spartanburg baseball team, and Converse college equestrian team. He taught four semesters at USC-Union. David is also a regular guest of the Pam Stone Show. David also served as lead trainer to L.H.Fields Modeling Agency.