Whether you are starting a new fitness routine, an experienced vet or even a recreational gym user your fitness program can fail. There is a risk you may get bored, not see results or even over train. All of these things can cause you to lose commitment, stress out, become demotivated or fall off your fitness routine. The following are the top 5 reasons that your fitness program can fail and how you can prevent that.
You have not set any goals
You are in the wrong training environment
You don’t have a support system
Not allowing for ‘fun’ time
You Don’t have a training schedule
1. You have not set any goals
In order to succeed at whatever your fitness goal might be it is important to set specific goals. These goals will help you attain your end goal. It usually helps to also set a timeline to achieve these goals. One of the best ways to do this is to set what is called a S.M.A.R.T goal. Often times we head into the gym with no idea what we are trying to accomplish or vague goals like "losing weight", "toning up", “working on my upper body….” S.M.A.R.T stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. When a goal is measurable it helps to establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of the goal you set. An attainable goals is important because when you choose goals that are most important to you, you will be able to figure out ways you can achieve them. A realistic goal means that you will be able to reach it and it. You can always reassess once you achieve it and set new goals. And finally the goal should be timely and set within a certain time frame to make sure you stay on track it should be written down.
2. You are in the wrong training environment
Going too extreme, too soon. i.e. forcing the body adapt to too much stressors all at once. Make changes gradually. Or you are in the wrong training environment and need to make a change to the right environment for you. If you don’t like big corporate gyms, then join a small studio. If you don’t like training alone, then try group fitness. If you only like training at home, then investigate that option. Whatever it is, you won’t continue going somewhere that you don’t enjoy walking through the doors.
3. You dont have a support system
If you don’t have a support system in place to keep you accountable you are setting yourself up for failure. Training partners, friends, spouse – people that are supportive of your goals. Too many roadblocks on the path can lead to failure. When you have a support system you are more likely to stay on track, be motivated and stick to a regular routine. We never want to let our friends or loved ones down, and we definitely don’t want to leave them waiting at the gym for us!
4.Not allowing for ‘fun’ time
Whether it’s a cheat meal or time away from the gym, the body and mind need temporary breaks, not pushing it 100% all out all the time. Allow for some things you enjoy and the program becomes much easier to follow. Plus this allows your body time to recover, regenerate and be prepared for the next week of workouts. I like to take Sunday and use it as a family day that way I enjoy my time and have some time away from the gym.
5. You Don’t have a training schedulePick a plan and stick to it for the duration. i.e. trust the process. Far too many try something for 2 weeks decide it’s not working and jump over to the next latest thing. One of the best ways to do this is to get a one-on-one personal trainer. If you would rather workout on your own maybe hiring an online coach like Me is an option. Online training programs like Trex do customized programs for you and you do them on your own. It’s a great option if all you need is to have someone to be accountable to.
There are a lot of different ways as you can see that your program can fail but you can succeed. Remember to set goals, write them down, get in the right training environment, find a support system, stick to a schedule and allow yourself some fun from time to time. You will be much more successful and happier with your results if you follow those steps! Happy training!
Train Hungry. I’ve always preferred to train weights about 2-3 hours after a meal and there are few good physiological reasons for this.
1) With no food in your stomach you have more readily available blood to flood your muscles with for the pump, because less blood is being used for digestive-related distribution. The pump can be one key driver of muscle hypertrophy when applied correctly.
2) Your pre-workout supplements will tend hit you harder when they’re not being mixed in with food that’s already in your stomach. You’ll get more of a concentrated, high potency effect – the intended effect actually.
3) I’m a big proponent of intra-workout supplementation and going into a workout on a relatively empty stomach can boost insulin sensitivity – making your intra-workout anabolic cocktail (carbs, bcaas, insulin sensitizers/mimickers) even more effective from a nutrient uptake perspective.
4) Your weight training session isn’t really fueled by what’s currently in your stomach or what you ate an hour before your lift. It’s primarily fueled by glycogen – the carbs stored in your muscles and liver over the past 12 hours. The purpose of the intra-workout drink is more of a bonus kickstart to the recovery process and a means to offset catabolism than anything else. By driving key nutrients to your trained muscles, your body can start anabolic processes before you even touch a post workout shake.
5) Training hungry minimizes the risk of losing your pre-workout meal on the gym floor.
Training hungry isn’t for everyone and particularly not for those with poor blood sugar control issues. It’s not even something I enforce with all clients. But it will always be the way I train. Comment below if you also prefer to train hungry. -Coach Sean. Photo cred: @jasonbreeze
We've all seen the post on Instagram that says a Sunday well spent brings a week of content. We over here at Train It Right couldn't help but agree! Sunday's are a great day to relax, reset and get ready for the work week ahead. But like many, you're probably on a journey of health and fitness. Eating clean and sticking to a plan can be one of the hardest parts of your journey. The best way to combat failure in this is planning and prepping. Though there are many food prep companies (and they are great) prepping your own food can be simpler and easier than you think.
Here are a few tips to help you ease into prepping your own food:
* Create a grocery list based on your food plan and shop the day before prepping
* Lay out all of your containers
- Use your open counter space to house your containers and place the food in the containers as you go. So when your spinach is ready go ahead and ration it out for each meal as you go.
* Cook all at once
- The cool thing about a full kitchen is several appliances. Example... You can bake your fish or and chicken in the oven while cooking your sides such as spinach, kale, broccoli and more on the stove top. Multitasking at its finest!
- You can also make use of the racks in the oven and bake several items at once. Just keep strict watch of the timer.
* Wash the dishes as you go
- This helps with clean up which speeds up the process. A secret of all chefs!
*Remember why you're doing it
- Lets face it, some of us just don't like to cook. With that being said, remember why you're investing the time now. Not only are you sticking to your meal plan to ensure you meet your goals, but you're saving time and money!
Happy meal prepping.
Five Ways To Keep Your New Year's Resolution of Losing Weight In 2017
Dr. Elaina George is a Board Certified Otolaryngologist and Author of the new book "Big Medicine: The Cost Of Corporate Control And How Doctors And Patients Working Together Can Rebuild A Better System"
Dr. George's tips are:
1. Start exercising
An increase in activity of as little as 20 minutes 3 times a week can make a difference in your risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity. You don't have to get fancy with a gym membership. Try taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator, or park further from the entrance when you go to the market or mall.
2. Eat Smaller portions
You may not want to give up your junk food or fried food, but try to limit your portions. Instead of buying a six pack of soda, buy a two liter bottle. You can better control the portions along with your intake of calories.
3. Drink more water
The average person should be drinking 1 ounce per kilogram of his/her weight in water per day. (1 lb = 2.2kg). Studies have shown that people eat more when they are dehydrated because the signals in the body can confuse hunger with thirst. If you are hungry, try drinking an 8-12 oz glass of water before you decide to eat that snack.
4. Avoid salt
The average American diet consists too much salt. Salt is found in everything from canned foods to frozen foods. Not only does salt make your body retain water, it also dulls your sense of taste when it comes to sugar. As a challenge, decrease the amount of salt you eat for about 1 week, then drink a non-diet soft drink. Not only will you lose about 3- 5 lbs of water weight, but you will see that the soda is incredibly sweet. In addition, try to use sea salt.
5. Avoid high fructose corn syrup
Studies have shown that most products in this country are made with high fructose corn syrup that is contaminated with mercury (a known neurotoxin). Instead try to choose foods made with cane sugar. When you drink soft drinks that are made with sugar you will be less likely to crave salt and be able to stop with one soda because there is no 'sugar high' that leads to the craving that makes you want to have more.
About Dr. Elaina George
Atlanta, GA Based - Dr Elaina George is a Board Certified Otolaryngologist. She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Biology. She received her Masters degree in Medical Microbiology from Long Island University, and received her medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Dr George completed her residency at Manhattan, Eye Ear & Throat Hospital. She is on the advisory council of Project 21 black leadership network, an initiative of The National Center for Public Policy Research. Dr George hosts her own radio show, "Medicine On Call" and she is also a keynote speaker many organizations. As a solo practitioner in private practice who is also a small business owner, she has a unique perspective on the problems of health care delivery, the true costs of healthcare and viable solutions.
Are you like me and crave sugary treats? I grew up with my grand parents. My great grand parents lived next door. I definitely was spoiled. You can curb those cravings.
Knowing why and when your cravings occur can help you prepare to deal with them. Whether you are changing your environment to experience them less often or are developing ways to respond differently, it is possible to overcome most junk food desires. Here are a few ways to set yourself up for success:
1. Get enough sleep Getting enough sleep is very important. When you are tired or bored you tend to reach for a snack to keep you entertained or to satisfy you. If you are well rested you are more likely to make a better decision.
2. Plan Your Meals and Prep them. Prepping your meals in advance can keep you from reaching for bad foods. Having meals every 2-3 hours also ensures you never go too long without eating and never leaves you in a pinch grabbing something quickly from a store.
3. Don't Keep Junk In The House. First identify the foods you are reaching for when you are snacking. Then make sure to rid your house of them. You don't need to keep them around if you can't control yourself. You are more likely to reach for a healthier alternative if they aren't in your house.
4. Drink Water. Often times we confuse hunger with dehydration. Next time you feel snacky, grab some water and chug it down. This may fill you up and you may have just been thirsty and not hungry for a snack.
5. Stay Accountable. Put a dollar into a jar every time you crave something but don't give into the craving. At the end of the week, month etc cash it in and do something nice for yourself like a movie or some shopping!
You got this! Be strong young grasshopper! Don't give in to the cravings.
Sleep Like A Champion - Sleep Tips For Athletes
Sleep is so important! I never realized just how important it was until I started taking my fitness and health more seriously in University as an athlete and then when I started working full time as a personal trainer (5 am wakeup). Then I realized just how awesome naps are during the day. Thank you so much @casper for letting me try your very comfortable mattress and catch up on some of those precious ZZZ’s in your #snoozeroom in Toronto yesterday. And thank you for helping me learn more about just how to get the sleep I need. Look out for this traveling sleep room around Toronto for the next few weeks.
The following are some great tips from the folks at Casper on how to sleep like a champion - Sleep tips for athletes.
Easy Workout Ideas for the Busy Bees Who Can't Hit the Gym Everyday
You know that maintaining an active lifestyle is one of the major top priorities in life. By taking care of ourselves, we stand a chance of being the kind of individual we strive to be at home with our loved ones, on the job, and in the community. However, it doesn’t mean that this is easy.
No doubt, work, in particular, will get in the way of working out. In fact, you will realize soon that there is a huge paradox going on and it becomes more obvious when more exciting and challenging a job becomes.
On one hand, you struggle to find the time to do exercise. On the other, you cannot avoid exercising as it is integral to become successful. Or you can have your very own home garage gym and keep fit without requiring too much time.
How To Become Fit Despite Having A Demanding Schedule
Working Out Efficiently
You need to select a workout which can be done almost anywhere, irrespective of whether you are traveling or coming home late from the office. So, ideally, this will be a kind of exercise which will not need a huge amount of preparation. Plus it can help in accomplishing major physical gains in a matter of short period. Some of the best choices are Tabata training, high-intensity interval training, running, and bodyweight exercises.
Exercise During Commercials
Can’t miss the big popular games and favorite TV shows? Rather than sitting on the couch with your favorite snack food, you can mix up a delicious blend of healthy veggie and fruit juices and do various exercises during commercials.
Try to use the dumbbells, bands or body weight and choose a fast exercise circuit. During the commercials, performvarious exercises and reps as much as you can. You can use dumbbells, bands or even your body weight for the fast exercise circuit.
During every commercial, you can perform various exercises and reps as much as you like. From a 30-min sitcom, you get up to 9-10 minutes of exercising time.
Catering To Your Dislikes and Likes
Many people hate running, and that is fine. It is important that you become realistic and know what you like or dislike. One person’s running is another person’s weight training, yoga or dance. It is important to flex your self-discipline muscles with regard to exercising.
But you need to make it easier by selecting a form of exercise which is apt for your lifestyle, taste, and personality. If you are not sure what you like to do, then don’t be sad. You must not be afraid to experiment with many types of exercises until you get what works the best for you.
Night Exercise
If you are a working mother, then a full day of work, making dinner, and running back of the kids can make you exhausted. However, you need to fight the urge to hunker down. Try to select a workout which helps you to unwind.
You can workout on a treadmill, dumbbells, a body weight circuit or bands. Now if you have a hard time settling down especially from the night time workouts, then you can do something calming like stretching or yoga. Even better, you can use the burst of the energy by spending time with your partner, which is what you need.
Taking Competition As Motivation
To becoming successful in work, collaboration is an essential aspect. However, when you are trying to motivate yourself by exercising on a regular basis (that too with enough intensity which matters a lot), competition has its own merits.
Nowadays it is possible to find competition matching your skill level in any sport or field. So, whether you are a beginner, elite or somewhere in between, there is always something for all of us. Go ahead sign up, set the goal and find out what it can do to you. If the odds are good then it can be the push that you need to keep yourself in the game.
Create A Schedule And Commit To It
One of the major reasons for why people skip a workout is either being busy at work or picking up the kid from school. It involves dealing with the given situation. At times, you can cancel the internal meeting, take some work home with you, so that you can hit the gym.
Basically, it is all about prioritizing. The truth is that you have to get out of the office at the time when it is necessary. Try to make a schedule (even you can write it down if it helps) and stick to it. Remind yourself that working out is a top priority worth keeping.
Tracking The Levels Of Activity
There is an old saying “If you don’t measure it, it doesn’t exist”. Yes! It is a slight exaggeration, but it holds some truth to it, especially when it is related to exercising. Make sure to keep a note on the calendar every time when you work out. You can add the workout session at the end of each week, month and year. This helps you to monitor your progress and find out areas to improve.
It is better if you measure your activity levels as it can help you to remain on track and realize when you are going to slip just before you completely lose the habit.
Selecting Something Over Nothing
Frankly, you don’t need an hour or even thirty minutes to do an effective and complete workout. Doing some exercise is virtually much better than none. Heck, even a ten minutes can create a difference. You can easily catch some few free minutes in your daily life. So, with an efficient program which can frequently be done, speedy and short workouts can do wonders for both the mind as well as the body.
Winding Up
Try to squeeze in the schedule to workout wherever you are and no matter how much time you have with regard to bodyweight exercises. Also, you can use theassistance of apps which prescribes the best exercises to be done at your desk.
Author Bio :
Cathy is a fitness expert atgaragegymplanner.com. She writes regularly on topics revolving around exercise and diet and helps educate readers on the best ways to improve their health and looks naturally.
If you are busy juggling family life with a full-time job, you’ll know just how tough fitting fitness into your routine can be. No matter how busy you are, you shouldn’t use this as an excuse not to exercise. After all, running is perfect exercise for any time of the day. So why not start running once the kids are in bed at night? You may be put off slightly by running in the dark, but you can guarantee a peaceful run. There’s be no busy traffic or crowds to get in your way!
Want to know how to run safely at night? Here are our five top tips.
Run a Familiar Route
Stick to a route you are familiar with to cut down your chances of getting lost. Not only will getting lost increase your mileage, but it could also be tricky finding your way back in the dark. Running in an area you know well also means you’ll know where there are street lights. If you jog in a well-lit area, you will be able to see exactly what is happening in your surroundings, helping you to feel safe.
Run with a Buddy
Ladies, listen up! Pair up with your friend or partner and go out pounding the streets together. This is a great way to stay motivated throughout your run, and you will also feel safer in numbers. If you do not know anyone who enjoys running as much as you, see if there are any local running clubs in your area. As well as helping you with your running, you’ll be able to meet new people and make more social connections!
Stay Bright
It is important that you can clearly see traffic and pedestrians in your vicinity, but they also need to see you. So brighten up your clothes! Wear colourful running gear and, if possible, wear high-vis materials. Your local sports shop will sell fluorescent arm bands, which are a great investment. Running headlamps are also readily available. Not sure which one to go with? Check out what personal trainer Andrew Rockwell thinks.
Don’t Run With Music
I know we often go on about how great music is for your workouts. However, when running at night, it’s a good idea to leave your iPod at home. This will help increase your awareness. You’ll sooner notice if anyone suspect is following you or if there is something else occurring near you that you need to be aware of.
Bring a Cellphone and ID
Always take a cellphone and ID with you if you are running after dark. The cellphone will help you contact a friend or relative if you have an accident. If things take a turn for the worse, the emergency services may need to contact someone on your behalf. They will be able to get important information using your ID. Don’t forget to charge your cell fully before you head out!
Running in the night is a fantastic way to squeeze fitness into your packed schedule. It’s important to put your safety first!
THE LAZY GIRL’S HIGH TECH TRICK FOR LOSING INCHES BY NEW YEAR’S AND FITNESS HACKS
With just one month left until New Year’s Eve, it’s time to squeeze into a little black dress and stay up ‘til midnight, it’s time to prep. The good news is, if you don’t want to squeeze into your outfit, there’s still four weeks left to tone up and loose those few pounds or inches that make the difference between, “You look great!” and jaw-dropping silence. Here are some fitness hacks and one high tech “lazy girl’s trick for achieving your ideal NYE look.
THE HIGH TECH WAY- STRAWBERRY LASER LIPO
www.strawberry-laser.us
First introduced in London, the Strawberry Laser’s cold laser technology is now available in the United States. Already, over 5 million people worldwide have lost instant inches with Strawberry. There are now Strawberry systems installed in over 30 countries.
The Strawberry Laser is an FDA cleared, painless alternative to liposuction that achieves non-invasive inch-loss and body contouring by shrinking fat cells. With each 10-20 minute treatment, unwanted fat is naturally released from the body via the lymphatic system. The results are instant. Clients can lose up to 8 inches in 1 treatment and two areas of the body can be treated at once.
So how does it work?
Prior to each treatment, precise measurements are taken at multiple levels around a patient’s specific target area(s). During the treatment, low-level (cold) laser technology is used to painlessly melt fat within the fat cells. The process is similar to exercise. When a person exercises, triglycerides are released from the fat cells. With these being released, the fat cells reduce in size (adipocytes). The Strawberry Laser works in a similar way, pulling the triglycerides from the fat cells. This results in millions of fat cells becoming smaller, so inches are reduced off the waist, hips, thighs, arms, buttocks and male breasts. Exercising in conjunction with Strawberry Laser treatments further stimulates the fat reduction process. Surrounding tissues, such as blood vessels, nerves and skin cells are unaffected by the procedure.
Cost: Between $1,500 and $2,000 for a course of 8, 20 minute treatments.
THE TRADITIONAL WAY – FITNESS HACKS
www.franicohen.com
Franci Cohen is a NYC certified fitness trainer, nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Here she provides tips on how to hack your way to better fitness before New Year’s.
Strength with Cardio
For most, weight-training and cardio exercise are two separate events. However, mixing strength exercises with a cardio interval, like a 30 second sprint, will boost the metabolism and growth hormones.
Go Compound
Try multi-joint or compound exercises that engage multiple muscle groups at the same time. Replace isolated exercises, which only focus on one muscle group at a time, with movements like the squat or deadlift to burn more calories and increase your metabolic rate.
Train Like an Athlete
Huge biceps look great, but are unlikely to contribute to overall health. Instead of training like a bodybuilder try exercising like an athlete. Include plyometrics, kettlebell swings and sprints in your training plan to add intensity and variety to workouts while improving overall fitness.
Go Heavy
Lifting heavier weights for less repetitions helps to build strength and shed fat. Start with a weight that is manageable for 15 reps. Then add weight over time to find a weight that is doable for eight to ten repetitions. Remember, always practice perfect form, and try to work for an extra rep before calling it quits.
Bring a Friend
Working out with a partner improves results and makes the going-to-the-gym experience a more enjoyable one. Having a partner to provide encouragement during workouts can help you get the most out of a workout. And when you have someone relying on you to do the same, it makes you accountable and more likely to show up for workouts.
Don't Train, Compete
Turn workouts into a competition with yourself of a workout partner. Join a sports league, play pick-up basketball or sign-up for a 5K. Or create your own challenges in the gym by completing a circuit workout as fast as possible, pushing the pace and intensity.
Write it Down
Record the exercises, sets and repetitions performed during workouts. Keeping track of goals and progress will reveal what you have accomplished and where you can improve. With that knowledge on hand, it's then possible to structure workouts that play to your strengths and improve weaknesses.
Hydrate
Be sure to drink plenty of water during workouts and throughout the day. Heading into a workout dehydrated takes its toll on muscles, motivation and energy levels. Drink up and train hard, then don't forget to refuel with food and water after workouts to promote recovery.
The coming holiday season is a joy
ful time of year that brings together families and friends. However, it can also be quite stressful – especially for those who have a child with autism.
With that in mind, FirstPath Autism http://www.firstpathautism.com would like to offer up tips to help handle everything from holiday party meltdowns to stress that can arise from schedule changes and holiday travels. While compiled for those with an autistic child in their lives, many of the tips work just as well for all families.
SCHEDULE CHANGES AND TRAVEL
1. Prepare for changes in home and school routines.
The holidays mean that your family’s usual routine shifts, and that causes disruption for everyone, including your child. Much as children may look forward to the season of celebrations, they may not understand that it involves trade-offs too. For example, having a holiday pageant at school may mean that their favorite art class is cancelled for the day. Be sure to discuss these changes with your child ahead of time. Your child may not infer that the pageant means that art class won’t happen as usual.
2. Assess sugar impact and decide what’s reasonable.
The holidays often mean different foods and lots of seasonal treats. Find a balance between prudence and fun. Unless food allergies or confirmed intolerances are involved, consider allowing your child space to eat some special-occasion treats. Popcorn, cinnamon-baked apples, and trail mix are perennial winter favorites for kids who need to avoid certain food products or additives.
3. Be mindful of sensory issues.
The holidays mean plenty of flashing lights, decorations, and music. Festive celebration can be challenging for individuals with autism and sensory processing disorder. Consider having your child help you either pick out decorations for the house or have him/her help you with decorating and preparing.
4. Ease into traveling and change.
If you will be traveling to see family and friends, prepare your child for what the experience will be like. To help ease your child into the trip, you may want to bring along any special foods needed and a favorite object. If you’re flying, check with the TSA regarding any rules that may apply and consider reaching out to the airline in advance. Let them know you’ll be traveling with a child with autism and include any special information that might be helpful.
5. If the traditions don’t fit, make your own!
Most of us start thinking in terms of tradition when the holidays approach. Given this, it’s easy to get caught up in how things are “supposed” to be. Holidays can include baking cookies, making gingerbread houses, and/or gathering with families and friends. But what if your child refuses to bake, is terrified of carollers, or wants to go to bed early? Remember that, as a parent, you get to do what works for you and your family. In this time of joy and closeness, go easy on yourself by letting go of comparisons, shoulds, and “What will the extended family think?” Embrace the reality of your own household, and most of all, have fun!
HOLIDAY PARTY MELTDOWNS
Picture this: You and your family have made it to your favorite annual party. Everyone’s having a great time … that is, until your child with autism gets completely overwhelmed by the festivities.
You tried to redirect her attention, but it didn’t work.
What’s your next move?
Meltdown Prevention 101
Our initial recommendation is that you do what you can to prevent a meltdown prior to its inception. Remember that behavior is learned, and that what you model during calm moments will influence what happens during stressful ones.
If you take time to teach your child appropriate self-management strategies, he or she will have a much better chance of maintaining their emotional control in difficult situations.
For example, you can:
• Remind your child of the appropriate behavior and associated reward
• Employ social stories and role-playing exercises to educate about appropriate behavior
• Prompt the identification and verbal expression of feeling states
• Review deep breathing techniques
• Use adaptive equipment to provide calming pressure or lessen the experience of sensory overload
1. Stay calm
This might seem obvious to you now, but in the chaotic moments surrounding a meltdown, it won’t seem so clear-cut. When your child is struggling, it’s easy to get swept away by frustration and panic, but the calmer you can remain in the crisis, the more effective you’ll be at helping your child. Take a moment to breathe and regain a sense of calm within yourself …. Your reaction is so important. You have the power to escalate or de-escalate the situation with your words, body language, and overall approach.
2. Stop and help your child
This might seem self-evident, but parents often try to manage their child’s behavior while simultaneously working, eating, or conversing with other people? Some such parental juggling is inevitable, and even the best parents need to divide their attention at times. However, make sure that you don’t do this during a meltdown. If your child is truly out of control, you need to be fully present and attentive to what’s happening around you. Otherwise, their physical and emotional well-being is put at risk.
However, giving your full attention doesn’t mean lecturing, bargaining, or disciplining. If your child is having a true meltdown, she is in a panicked, fight-or-flight state. As such, she won’t be able to engage in new learning.
In addition, be sure not to give in to any request or demand that directly preceded the meltdown. Doing so reinforces the idea that meltdowns yield positive results, and that’s not what you want to teach!
Rather than shouting, correcting, or rewarding negative behavior, simply prioritize safety. You can work on teaching once your child has regained equilibrium.
You can also reduce stimulation levels. This may mean a quick move to a quieter, more private space. If that’s not a possibility, you can stay put and lower lights, block excess noise, and disperse a crowd if one has gathered. Which brings us to our final point …
3. Tell bystanders what you need them to do
One of the most difficult elements of a public meltdown is … the public. Even if you’re at a party where the guests know and love your child, it’s still stressful to have him melt down. That said, you can take this potential frustration and turn it around. If you’re concerned about communicating with bystanders, try talking to friends and family members ahead of time about what to expect should your child lose control.
You might consider carrying cards to hand to strangers if it helps to explain the situation. But if you’re surrounded by close friends and family, it may be easier to simply plan ahead and ask for what you need (be it space or support) in advance.
Finally, after a meltdown ends, make sure to take time to recuperate before re-entering the party. You both need to take pause and rest before getting back on your feet.
Want more guidance on this topic? These 10 Tips for Managing a Meltdown, with specific guidance from Amalie D. Holly, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst on the FirstPath Autism team can help further. http://info.firstpathautism.com/meltdown-guide-parents
Tips courtesy of FirstPath Autism:
FirstPath Autism is an organization dedicated to the education, training, and awareness of evidence-based autism treatment developed by the Founder, Romina Kiryakous at the Genesis Behavior Center in Turlock, CA. The treatment practiced at Genesis is based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the most widely covered treatment for autism by insurance companies. In 2015, Kiryakous developed FirstPath Autism, a personalized online education, support, and training program dedicated to the parents and caregivers of children with autism. The goal of FirstPath Autism is to offer an autism lifeline to parents and to help care givers better serve children with autism.
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