Local Fitness Expert Offers Tips on How to Get Results

When we asked readers about their 2014 resolutions on Facebook, many said they wanted to get into better shape. However, only 8 percent of individuals achieve their New Year's goals, according to the University of Scranton.

So, why is it so difficult to lose the fat?

To find out, Patch reached out to a local fitness expert who explained that with the right strategy, fitness goals are not difficult to reach.

Brian Rurak, owner of  T3 Fitness in Newport, gave seven tips for how to stay motivated. Here is what he had to say:

1.  Foundation First! Build a strong foundation from the inside out. Fueling your body properly, which most people don’t, will speed up the process for you to achieve your fitness goals quicker and function at optimal levels.

2.  Less is more - you don’t need to log long hours and “go big” to achieve the body or health you want.

3.  Fit for Life – Don’t focus on the now. Focus on the long term of what you want in your life for fitness and wellness.

4.  Rest and Recharge! Many people want to exercise seven days a week. Your body makes gains during its repair time so allow that.

5.  Enjoy cheat nights! I’ve never told my clients they can’t have something. When your body is functioning properly for you again and you are maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle you can take pleasure in treats and that “bad meal” and allow your body to use it as energy vs. store it as fat.

6.  Carb craze! Not all carbs are created equal. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are great carbohydrates to enjoy and essential for your body to use as fuel to help burn fat.  Cakes, white breads, candies etc. are bad carbs and should be limited.

7.  Understand that new goals require new thinking and new behaviors. If you continue to do the same things you have always done, you will continue to get the same results you always got.

Rurak, a graduate of Middletown High School, taught physical education and health at MHS from 1993-2000. In 2001, Rurak started T3 Fitness in his garage and by 2002, he opened his studio at 168/170 Broadway in Newport. T3 Fitness is now the longest independently owned fitness studio on Aquidneck Island. Rurak has a BS in teaching and a masters in exercise science from the University of Rhode Island.

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