How much does it "cost" to look a certain way?
The total cost of commitment necessary to have your perfect body
If you are hoping this blog will give you a monetary ($$) breakdown of exactly what it cost to lose weight and tone up...that is not what we are alluding to.
We are talking about what Commitment and Dedication it will take to achieve your desired physical appearance.
Before I get too far down this rabbit hole, remember: even if you are trying to lose weight, our goal for you is improved Health.
My examples are alluding to getting the body you want. Might as well begin with the most extreme and work from there.
Your hypothetical Ideal body = Super Lean
First, let's define.
We are not talking about being on stage for a bodybuilding show lean (3-8% Male, 6-10% female, Body fat).
We are talking about walking around at a low but healthy body fat range (8-12% male, 9-16% Female). *1
As I am writing this, there are may 3-4 people within the community who fit this mold. They look and feel great, most would love to have their body.
A couple of them have the advantage of youth on their side. Others may have a genetic gift. For the most part, the individuals here have the habits necessary to maintain this physique.
Remember as you age, all of these commitments we are about to list...become more and more important.
Commitments necessary to achieve this body?(without fail):
- 8 hours of sleep consistently. Set routine. Quality sleep.
- 95% perfect Nutrition - proper amount of Macro nutrients and Micro nutrients in order to build muscle and maintain the physique. Cheat meals = 1 per month or less, including special events like birthdays and parties.
- Proper hydration at all times.
- Little to 0 alcohol. If drinking, still doing it with low cal drinks and moderation.
- Consistent gym routine. No days missed for being out late, hungover, lazy, still work out on vacation, etc. Also means lifting at the proper load/intensity. Not over-training.
- Limited social life - the routine comes first. Grocery shopping, sleep, gym outweigh social nights out.
- Stress very minimal.
Your hypothetical Ideal body = Lean and Confident
Next up, the level most people would love to get to!
Not crazy lean, but proud of where they are.
Proud of the work and commitment, but the routine of the level above would cause unnecessary stress.
This person looks perfectly healthy clothed. They also still feel pretty good in a swimsuit. Can keep up with their kids. Can play rec sports without risking injury. Can go do whatever physical activity they choose.
What does this body take:
- 7+ hours of sleep consistently. Most nights are pretty good, few random nights of lower sleep due to kids, work, or social.
- 80% perfect Nutrition - constantly get enough protein, appropriate calories, can forgo treats under peer pressure but will have some on occasion for special events.
- Proper hydration most days, but does not track it.
- Little to 0 alcohol. If drinking, doing so at social interactions and random nights out for a drink or 2.
- Consistent gym/physical routine. Someone coming to Aerial 3 days a week, but also going for walks, bike rides, playing rec sports, etc.
- Minimal social life - it's not that their routine does not come first, but it's just not part of their agenda. Out for dinner and drink 2-4 times a month. Still keeps it within reason.
- Stress level higher than the first person, but properly dealt with.
Your hypothetical Ideal body = Few extra pound you'd appreciate losing
The is the last one I will address, since we believe everyone should be working to here or better.
This person is likely in one of two spots, they are slowly declining to here or slowly have worked their way to here from a less healthy position.
Either way, this person has a few extra pounds, likely right where they least want it....face/neck, stomach.
They know they are close to being in the body they are proud to show off at the pool or beach. They probably have a sedentary career and probably a bit higher stress level.
What does this body take/what should you keep working on:
- 7+ hours of sleep consistently. Most nights are pretty good, few random nights of lower sleep due to kids, work, or social.
- 60% perfect Nutrition - likely off on their macros, but not over-eating and do pretty good at avoiding treats.
- Not sure how much water they are drinking
- Drink socially (maybe). Up to 1-2 per week, at rec league, etc
- No consistent gym/physical routine. Try things here are there but falls off the wagon. Keeps trying though!
- Social life may be more present. They may not have time for it, but if they do they eat out 1-2x per week, includes drinks, no agenda to the food ordered.
- Unsure of how to properly deal with their stress.
Feel like I missed you? Like you are not quite into one of these 3 options?
If you are a member and reading this, we know you are working on it! You would not be a member if you weren't.
We were only trying to paint a picture of what is needed to make progress. Keep at it, you will get there!
At the end of the day, we want you to be healthy and know how important these commitments are.
They will certainly impact your life in your later years. Are you willing to take that risk?
