June Fitness Tips Published May 29, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. Caycee Watson 169th Fighter Wing/Public Affairs MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, S.C. -- One of the most authentic things I've heard in a long time, "Fitness and fatness are not the same." I can't help but notice and be excited for so many people working to improve their health and fitness and sharing about it on social media. There are more and more diet, health, and fitness programs popping up and so many people are jumping in, in hopes of finding their own happy place with positive results. After some of my own experiences and observations, I want to share some thoughts for anyone looking to make positive changes to their lives and health. I love feeling healthy and pushing myself every time I exercise. I also love to learn from other people who have found their "happy place". I try to make good food choices for the majority of what I eat. I'd consider myself healthy, but I'm far from the best example of how to live for perfect health. I still enjoy pizza, nights out with friends and every family function that revolves around a feast of southern cooking. What I don't love is hearing that I can eat this or do that because I exercise. That isn't true and it's what I call negative motivation. I exercise because it is good for me and makes me feel good. Eating what I want, when I want just keeps me plateaued. The 169th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist, Michelle Walker, says, "I am quite often asked if there is a quick fix when someone is about to test and then asked if a certain NEW diet program will work. I always tell them that some of these have made claims to work and some in fact may for a little while, however what actually happens can be quite frightening since they are losing weight super-fast but are losing more muscle than fat. Folks get all excited because the scale is moving and keep doing what they think is a fast healthy option when in fact losing the muscle will prevent you from losing fat in the long run. Secondly is the problem of never actually learning what a proper nutritional food plan actually is." I've made progresses, faced set-backs, struggled with refocusing and am prepared to wash, rinse and repeat all of the above. As long as I'm breathing air, my health and fitness will only come from continuous effort. Not seeing results you want isn't a reason to quit; it's a reason to try harder. If one diet plan or program doesn't work, readjust your methods. Don't expect any brand name to work for you, only you can make progress happen for you. At the end of the day, no change toward a better you will come without commitment. Whether you believe in running for distance or sprint intervals, strength training, hiit, cross-fit, meal prepping, calorie counting, maxing out each rep, or shakes and supplements...the most important thing is finding a healthy program that works for you and knowing that it will take hard work to meet and maintain your goals. Each month our fitness specialist contributes exercise tips and proper diet choices in the SCANG eNewsletter. Contact Michelle at 803-647-3510 to discuss your fitness goals. Be happy, be healthy, never quit trying, and be the best "you" that you can be.