you want more, not less. As well, following a calorie reduced diet may make you smaller but a smaller version of whatever shape you are now. If you have a pear shaped physique- you will be a smaller version of that. And, strength training will help tone and shape all your muscles- like the Equalizer pull-ups to tone the back and arm muscles. Plus you will be able to do those stairs with ease- not like someone who is weaker from a restrictive diet.

3. Sleep zzzzzzzzz

Studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association show that sleep loss disrupts a series of complex metabolic and hormonal processes which can make weight loss far more difficult than it needs to be. Sleep deprived and tired individuals tend to eat more during the day and poorer food choices. Besides you need good sleep to repair those lean athletic Equalizer muscles!

4. Meditation

Who would have thought that sitting quietly can have such a profound effect on the body and mind? Not me- not at first anyways! I have been meditating daily for a few years now and let me tell you, it has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I recover faster from workouts, sleep better, feel less anxious/stressed and have an overall better relationship with myself and others.

Why do it for weight loss? Meditation increases self-awareness, so you're less likely to succumb to emotional eating when you're practicing meditation. As well, studies have shown that plasma cortisol (the stress hormone) decreases during Transcendental Meditation, whereas it did not change significantly in control subjects during ordinary relaxation. When the stress hormones are high, from everyday living and prolonged habitual stress (which most of us are accustomed to-unfortunately for our health), our bodies burn very little fat- instead getting energy from sugars and causing craving for carbohydrates.

We choose pick me up foods during mid day that are loaded with sugar and caffeine when a much better option would be to close the eyes and do 15 minutes of meditation. It recharges the battery and makes you feel great.