Unless you've been under a rock or you've been blind to all the "fitness and health stuff" your entire life, you'll know that to be physically fit and healthy you must incorporate 3 essential components into your lifestyle.  They are...

1. Strength training
2. Cardiovascular exercise.
3. Balanced nutrition 

Ok, so I guess you could say there's a 4th component that you need as well  - motivation, mindset, desire, etc., but I'll assume you already know that.

Anyway, so here they are.  All the tools you need to get fit.  You're on your way to the body of your dreams...up and at em!

Ahhh...not quite.

While the information I just gave you is true and accurate, there's a problem a lot of people have with their overall fitness program. 

Now this doesn't apply to everyone, but I assure you, it applies to most people who want to get into shape.

Without a doubt, I would say that the biggest obstacle people face is not following a "consistent" strength training program. 

Sure, many people will hire a trainer to show them the ropes for a couple months, or many will toy around with some machines at their local gym, but at the end of the day, MOST people will only rely on their cardiovascular training and semi-healthy diet as a way to try to stay fit.

Well, unfortunately this is exactly why people are overweight and out-of-shape.

You must understand that if you are NOT incorporating strength training into your life at a bare minimum of least 2x times (2x may not be enough) a week, you will lose roughly one pound of muscle every year. 

There have been studies to show that this number could be more or less, but that's irrelevant...the bottom line is - you LOSE muscle if you don't strength train.

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With every pound you lose, the slower your metabolism performs and the fewer calories you burn at rest.  This means the tug-of-war battle with your fat and muscle is being won by your fat.  When you don't strength train, you increase your body fat.

Now the thing is, many people (especially women) are intimidated by strength training. 
Most correlate strength training with dangerous machines, heavy weights, uncomfortable and awkward positions, bodybuilding freaks, big burly muscles, and so on and so forth.

Also, many feel or have been taught at their local gym that they should always have a "spotter" while strength training or they won't be able to do it efficiently.

Well, this is pure B.S.

If you're not doing a regular strength training program right now, you can't listen to this type of crap.

You must understand that strength training has NOTHING to do with the association of heavy weights or bulky machines and does not require someone to watch after you while doing it.

Strength training is ANY form of resistance that is progressive in nature and will force your body's muscles to change or grow back stronger and leaner. 

This resistance is at all times controlled and safe and can be anything from machines and cables at your gym (not what I recommend), or what I primarily help clients with  - body-weight calisthenics, elastic bands and free weights as described in my book - The In-Home Personal Trainer.

Whatever you decide, your strength training must be PRACTICAL and something you can consistently stick to.  Otherwise, it will be virtually impossible to get into shape.
Not saying this to frighten you, but just to give it to you straight.

Many people believe cardio and healthy nutrition are enough to "maintain."   

Not true. 

Even if you're doing cardio and eating super-healthy everyday, it's not going to be enough.  You're going to lose the war on fat. To avoid this, incorporate regular and most importantly - practical + consistent - strength training into your life. 

You'll be so happy you did!

Until next time...train hard and train smart.

Yours in Total Fitness & Maximum Success,

Jim Coughlin

P.S.  If you don't already know, I'll soon be coming out with a 17 DVD step-by-step course that will eliminate all the guess work you have when it comes to your strength training routine.  If you can't strength train by yourself - you cannot afford to pass up this life-changing product...Stay tuned!