by Lela Simon

Created on: March 16, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

The truth is the phrase fitness business is an oxymoron. Fitness requires slow steady work that takes time, patience and determination. Business is about making as much money as possible, preferably as quickly as possible.That is why there are so many fad diets and trick machines that do no good for anyone (except of course the person collecting all that money).

The truth about the fitness industry is that people are desperate to be what they see on TV. Desperate to feel as pretty, or as buff or as thin. Human beings are naturally insecure, everyone has something they dislike about themselves; and there has always been a snake oil salesmen there to give them a magic cure.

The answer is simple but hard. Calories in, Calories out. Eat less calories than you burn in a day and you will lose weight. Get those calories from nutritious foods so that you get the vitamins and minerals you need and your skin and hair will look great. Drink plenty of water cause being dehydrated doesn't look good on anybody. Lift things that are heavy and your muscles will grow. But it won't happen if you just do it today. You have to do it everyday, for at least six weeks to see a real result.

The last thing I have to share with you is the fitness industries dark secret.The people working inside the industry are just that, people. We are just as insecure and unsure of ourselves as anyone else. I read somewhere that it is estimated that 60% of people who work in the fitness industry have some form of an eating disorder, and I believe it. I have worked with women that told me not to go on birth control, it would make me gain weight. Instead I should just shoot for 13% body fat so that my period would stop, then I probably wouldn't get pregnant. I have watched gym members develop pathological dependence on exercise, and the trainers and instructors around me just cheered them on, even when they were coming in for their third hour of exercise that day.

Remember that a good thing is good, but too much of anything is bad. Keep your head, and don't listen to anyone promising quick, easy results. Fitness is a process, its a lifestyle and it takes time; but it is worth it!

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