Many people around the world train only for specific goals. For some, it means trying to stick to that New Year’s Resolution, getting that summer body, or training for a specific competition or event. For Trinbagonians, it means looking good for Carnival. Well, I have good news and I have bad news. The good news: It can be done! The bad news: not in the way you think!

The reality is that you can’t expect to just change your diet and start to exercise for 4-8 weeks and expect to see any real result. Some people, thanks to genetics, are able to see some minor results in that time, but they always seem to fall shy of their goals. The body takes time to adjust to a new regimen and when you are unused to eating healthily and exercising, that adjustment period is longer. In fact, I’ve seen people gain weight when they first start exercising as the body develops muscle.

The best way to get the results you want is to start from the year before (that’s Ash Wednesday for Trinis) and gradually build up to an intensity that can show quicker results. Every year, I am able to lose about 10 lbs of fat (I know because I test my strength after and notice that I haven’t lost any strength) in 6 weeks, but I also monitor my diet and train all year long. This leads to better, more lasting long-term results and also allows me to up the intensity when needed.

This approach is called periodisation. It is a technique used by athletes and trainers around the world and allows the body to cycle training periods, giving the body the rest it needs as well as specifically training for events at the appropriate times, allowing for maximum results. Most successful athletes swear by it, and it is something that you can incorporate into your life to attain those body/strength/anything goals that you may have. The important thing is to start early. Hire a trainer, get a training partner, tell your significant other/friend/parent/offspring to push you… do what you need to do to get the motivation to get going, but just get going.