The Tribune

Health coach Ethan Quant, of Elite Wellness Solutions, has succeeded in his weight loss journey and now wants to share his methods with the Bahamas in an effort to foster a culture of wellness and conquer the obesity epidemic.

I remember when I was starting on my health wellness and fitness journey, all I knew is that I wanted a six pack. I didn’t have the slightest idea of how I was going to get it. I remember one day in the doctor’s office I saw an old Men’s Health magazine. I casually was flipping through it and happened across this six-week shred training and meal plan. I tore it out of the magazine, slipped it in my pocket and went home with it. That was my first programme. Knowing what I know now I would never recommend anyone follow something so generic. I set myself up for lots of failure and frustration, but I was so stubbornly determined to succeed that I just moved on from failure to failure, literally failing myself to success. Needless to say, I later learned a more efficient and less frustrating way to achieve my goals, and it’s a method that I still use today in my health, wellness and fitness goals.

Its really a list of questions that I ask myself to help me organise my thoughts. Once I have them on paper I can better expand the ideas, but here is where I start. Actually take the time and complete these questions on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What are your short-term goals (three to six months) and long-term goals (beyond six months)

2. What are somethings that can hinder you form your programme (for example, work schedules, extracurricular activities, child care, commute times)?

3. What motivates you (in general in life)?

4. What things are most important to you and how will being healthy and fit compliment or support them?

5. What did you like/dislike about fitness/weight loss programmes you tried in the past?

6. How will you integrate exercise in your life?

7. How much time do you have to commit to exercise?

8. What type of support (family and friends) do you have to help you change your lifestyle?

9. What is something you are good at now? Did you know you were good at it before you did it or the first time you did it?

10. When was the last time you exercised regularly (at least three times per week) how long did it last, why did you stop?

The key to this exercise is to be completely honest with yourself. There are no right or wrong answers. Once you complete thus you are well on your way to setting the foundation that is needed for a true lifestyle modification. Remember, the principles of success are universal, so if you look at areas of your life that you are currently excelling at. Think about what you did to be great at those areas and apply them to this new and exciting journey. I guarantee you that if you follow those blue prints you will be successful in this as well.

Remember if you need help navigating any part of this process remember to seek out your friendly neighbourhood health and lifestyle coach (me). I want to help! #letsgetit

• If you need help navigating any part of your health, wellness and fitness process, you can contact Ethan Quant at ethan@elite-wellnesssolutions.com or on Instagram at @ethanquant.