If you are looking to lose weight and keep it off, one of the smartest things you can do is have a mentor or a weight loss coach at your side. Some people accomplish this by hiring a trainer at their local gym or by enrolling in aerobic fitness or weight training classes. Others join an online weight loss group or forum, so they can continue to receive encouragement along the way.

Accountability is the key when setting out to achieve a weight loss or fitness goal. In fact, having some type of mentorship will substantially increase your chances to not only lose weight but this will help you keep it off successfully for the months and years that follow, as opposed to trying to set goals for yourself without someone to report to.

Another way to accomplish successful weight loss is by joining an online fitness membership like what University For Weight Loss Science offers. You will not only have the added benefit of accountability, but you will also be connected with medical professionals to ensure you are getting the right kind of fitness training for your age, body type, and overall fitness level. Having this type of oversight can reduce your chances of becoming injured or it can reduce any concerns about not being challenged enough when you first begin your exercise program since they can be tailored to your precise fitness needs.

When you first begin your exercise routine, start out slowly and allow yourself 10-15 minutes to warm up. Additionally, allow yourself several days or even a few weeks to gradually build up your endurance if you haven’t exercised very much for a while. It’s important to be gentle and patient with yourself at first, because getting into an exercise routine a little more slowly will give you much better results in the long-term as opposed to trying to set goals that are too big to meet right away. Getting discouraged early on is the biggest reason why so many people fail when they set out to lose weight or make extreme dietary changes. Not everyone needs to set their goals to run in a marathon in order to be fit, healthy and lose weight. Moderate exercise and adjusting one’s eating habits at a more graduated level has proven to be the most successful in the long run.