SubscribeLose Weight with YouTube
It has been well established that journaling and documenting your weight loss efforts is helpful when it comes to achieving long term success. Video journaling via YouTube (Vlogging, as the techies call it) has boomed in popularity - sparking a new way to inspire or be inspired and share experiences.
On YouTube, joining a weight loss group is as simple as the click of a mouse. Users can browse videos, post videos and post comments. Erik Bengsston, 29, started the "Gut2Cut" group on YouTube. He began chronicling his progress 2 years ago and now attracts over 3000 viewers a week with 1,100 active members.
Beth Lichtenfels posted a video of her 231-pound weight loss on YouTube nine months She never expected the four-and-a-half minute video, which featured dozens of pre- and post-transformation photos set to pop music, to reach more than 78,000 people worldwide. "It's really helped me not gain the weight back because I have so many people watching me," said Lichtenfels, 28. Watch a transformation video here.
Sharing weight-lost experiences "is an old technique, and it works," said David Levitsky, a professor of nutrition and psychology at Cornell University. A success story video, he said, is like receiving a medal. "They can demonstrate what they have accomplished so that in itself is rewarding.
Levitsky also points out that although there are no studies that demonstrate long term success through video logs, studies of other web-based programs show them to be effective.
Staying Connected is Key
I think that this is one more helpful tool in the arsenal of long term fat loss and optimal health. But like any other aspect of goal achievement, the crux of the matter is the ability to stick with it.
When motivated to undertake a major change in lifestyle, it is typical to pour everything you have into it in the early going. It's the times when you are struggling when you need to continue journaling and remain part of the group - even if you aren't getting it done in the kitchen or in the gym. This way, you have people to encourage you through the rough patches and you'll be more likely to bounce back.
The road to fat loss and better health is never seamless. It is easier to persevere though when you have some accountability and support.
I saw your video, it is true that "the way to fat loss and better health is never seamless."
ReplyThe two things that would prevent me from a v.log:
1. People on YouTube are mean. I've seen a couple weight loss blogs where the person is just attacked.
2. I have a slight lisp. And sound really young. :o Not a voice for radio.
ReplyHeather, I have a lisp and sound really funny when I speak, but I dont let it hold me back in life, or on video when I do my video blogs.
There will always be mean people, but I dont let them deter me in my goals. They are mean for a reason, making up for something they lack...
ReplyHeather,
With youtube, you do get some real a-holes; but there are lots of dieters out there who vlog on their own sites and receive tons of support from others going through the same thing. I guess misery loves company
ReplyI absolutely agree with this blog. Having support and others to keep you accountable is the best way to achieve workout success. That is what worked for me!
ReplyLike Heather said people on YouTube can be very mean, but I think you should try not to let that make your decision for you. I agree with the quote from Beth in the post that having people watch the journey can be a great motivator in continuing or maintaining weight-loss.
ReplyI think that people do need support from like minded people that are facing the same challenges. People have a far higher success rate of change if first they can identify with another and then gain from the other hope and strength. I think that if a video can achieve this for people it is worth posting on youtube.
ReplyI have started putting videos up for people to look at my form. I posted a deadlift video last week. Here is the link if anyone wants to give me advice. Thanks.
Replyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZABu2r74Yc
u-tube videos are a great way to show your progress to the world. Having accountability is a great motivating tool to success. If you know everyone is going to look at your progress it can make you do that extra rep or jog that extra mile.
ReplyI have been putting up some fitness videos with no responses yet.
My url is youtube dot com/user/Godzmarine
Could someone critique my deadlift video?
ReplyI am a reporter with First magazine. I want to interview you for a story I am working on. Please contact me. ASAP.
Thanks!
Christine M. Coppa
Replyccoppa@bauerpublishing.com
www.myfirstforwomen.com
www.bauerpublishing.com
i would like to sign up for trial weight loss
Replyi'm 30, 200 pounds once i started having childeren my weight change.until then i was thin and happy.
I kind of like the idea of doing a vlog...I think it would have helped hold me accountable when I was in the process of losing weight. I did take a lot of pictures of myself as I lost weight to sort of chart my progress, but I never did anything as comprehensive as a vlog.
People on YouTube can be really mean, but you have to remember that most of those people are just a-holes in general and most of them are just posting comments like that to be rude. They like the screen of anonymity that the internet provides. I still think it would be cool to do a vlog and look back on it when you've reached your goal to see how far you've come. It's even kind of cool for me to watch videos of myself back in high school when I was really big and it's so weird...I barely recognize myself.
ReplyMaking videos for weight loss is a great way to motivate oneself to reach the target. Surely one need tons of determination to see it through. Critics will always be there but their comments should spur you on to do even better.
ReplyThanks
ReplyHeather, I have a lisp and sound really funny when I speak, but I dont let it hold me back in life, or on video when I do my video blogs.
There will always be mean people, but I dont let them deter me in my goals. They are mean for a reason, making up for something they lack...
ReplyThank you for the good job...!!!
ReplyVery useful thing.
I think it's a great idea! Knowing that the world is watching your weight loss effots is bound to increase your motivation!
ReplyYouTube has been absolutely great for sharing ideas about health and exercise. I am looking forward to this trend continuing.
ReplyBut what if I don't care what people think? Then how is it supposed to work?
Reply