Saturday, May 31, 2014

Points To Consider When Choosing Weight Loss Retreats For Adults

By Lila Bryant


People who are trying to lose unwanted pounds may find success by simply cutting calories and exercising more, but not everyone is able to achieve results this way. Some find it challenging to reduce their weight due to lack of will power and motivation, which is where weight loss retreats for adults come in. These offer the participant the opportunity to receive the encouragement, support, and knowledge he or she needs to successfully lose body fat, in a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.

Not every retreat provides participants with long term results however, some merely consist of an intensive fitness and strict diet plan for the duration of the retreat, however it does not give them the emotional encouragement and educational tools needed to produce lasting success. The mark of a quality retreat is one that is capable of giving attendees what they need to keep the weight off in the long run.

Fitness should not be the main focus of the program, although important, it is only one aspect needed for successful fat loss. Instead, the retreat should encourage individual, personal growth and self-discovery, enabling participants to identify and address the underlying issues causing over-eating, and it should also aim to replace these patterns with healthy new ones.

The particular setting of the retreat is another thing to consider. The atmosphere should be one that is notably different from one's usual environment, since this fact can help inspire change instead of nurturing old habits. Generally a more natural backdrop, for instance a peaceful countryside, is ideal, where the emphasis is on outdoor activity and living a healthy lifestyle, and there are not tempting places such as fast food restaurants all around.

The staff's training and background pertaining to nutrition and exercise is important, but so is the way in which they relate to and support the program's participants. Retreat staff should be dedicated to acting as friends to the people they are working with, providing positive reinforcement and ongoing encouragement in a constructive manner.

The approach to weight reduction should be a holistic one, which covers all aspects of the issue by focusing on the mind, body, and spirit. Addressing the "whole person" in this way turns the experience into a personal journey for every participant which if all goes well, produces permanent changes in attitude and behavior that will permanently impact future habits.

The retreat should be a learning experience, and it's a fact that different people learn best in different ways, so this must be incorporated into the nature of the program. Participants should be given a choice of educational and motivational tools they can work with depending on their particular learning style, such as seminars, counseling, behavior modification, and they should also have access to follow-up counseling.

People who wish to lose those stubborn extra pounds and are considering going to retreat, should be sure to do some research before deciding on a particular one as some offer more than others. Looking up reviews by people who have attended any retreat being considered is a good way to know if it makes the grade and will provide long-term success for those who attend it.




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