Steps Plus has designed a unique program specifically for you, a plus-size woman, ready to start enjoying a healthier, more fulfilling life, without letting her present weight hold her back. You know that "dieting" does not work, that being active is necessary and that all areas of your life interact with and influence each other. You are ready to learn more about yourself and make permanent progressive lifestyle changes to reveal the person to which so many people are blind - the real you that at times may have felt trapped inside. Practicing preventative health, being more physically active and pursuing your dreams and goals is a healthy approach to weight management. Weight loss is not the focus, but the bonus.

At Steps Plus we also understand that "dieting" is not the answer. Through our program, "From The Inside Out", a team of professionals is ready to treat you as a whole person, considering your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. The program will be customized to your individual needs, with the entire team working towards the same ultimate goals: the goals you set for yourself as part of the program - your goals.

In order to develop your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, "From The Inside Out", you will receive the co-ordinated support of three different program components, all equally important: Naturopathic Medicine, Fitness and Co-active Coaching. Your team will include a Naturopathic Doctor who is also a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, a Certified Fitness Instructor as well as a Co-active Life Coach. Other services such as massage, polarity and specialized kinesiology are also available on site.

Steps Plus believes that your weight should not prevent you from living your dreams or pursuing your goals. By improving you physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, you will begin to accomplish those things that until now you have only dared dream about. Live the life you want. Together, with the team at Steps Plus you will begin living a life especially designed by you, for you; a life you never thought possible. It is time to begin rejoicing in the beauty that is YOU!

Understanding the language of the body, treating the whole person, and understanding the interaction of the physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, environment and lifestyle, Naturopathic Doctor's use natural, non-evasive forms of treatment to help the body heal itself.

After a thorough analysis, looking at such things as your energy, lifestyle, sleeping habits, mental health and diet, your Naturopathic Doctor will discover the present health of your body and suggest lifestyle changes needed to promote optimal health.

Your body has a unique way of communicating what it needs. The everyday pains, discomforts and irregularities may be common to you but are not "normal". Learn to listen to your body, understand the root causes and realize the importance of prevention. With your physical self, working at its fullest potential, you will uncover endless energy, motivation and self-confidence to do the things you have always wanted to do.

You will meet with your Naturopathic Doctor for an initial 1.5-2 hour session and then every 2nd week until the last week when you will meet with your team.

Simply said, fitness is movement. With the "From The Inside Out" Program you will be encouraged to be active, at a safe level for you, while making sure it is fun. - "fun" being the keyword. The key is to enjoy what you are doing so as to have the desire to continue it versus dropping it once the program is over. We, at Steps Plus, will help you to make the permanent changes you want for yourself.

The activity/exercise component is approached on an individual basis. You will be assessed by the Steps Plus Certified Fitness Instructor and provided with a variety of suggestions for an activity/exercise program. Some suggestions may be to start in your home, begin a walking program or even join one of the Steps Plus aerobic classes specialized only for plus-size women. Having a say in what works for you and what doesn't is the biggest difference with this fitness program. Aside from the obvious benefits such as increased self-esteem, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, you will also reduce your risk of injury because it is based on what you can do and where you are "now".

Like athletes who have coaches keeping them on track and at their peak, a co-active life coach will keep you focused on your life goals, keep you moving forward and help you to realize your full potential.

The coach is working closely with you and all parameters of the "From the Inside Out" Program. This is not only an opportunity to work on your overall goals but to bring up any weekly challenges you may be experiencing while on the program. What would it feel like to have a team of professionals work with you, collaboratively, on every aspect of your life, health, fitness and overall wellness?

You will meet with your coach for an initial 2-4 hour session and then have your weekly 30-minute calls. The last week of the program, you will meet with your team to review the progress you have made and how you would like to continue.

© 2003, Steps Plus