The 5 Factors of Sustainable Weight Loss: How We Move

Most people who walk through our doors say the same thing:

“I want to lose weight.”

That is a valid goal. But real, lasting weight loss often looks different than what most people expect.

You do not need "more cardio".

You need better movement.

At Percheron Fitness, we use the "Complete Training" methodology because it works. This approach is not just for athletes. It is for anyone who wants to move better, feel better, and see real change that lasts. It's functional for longevity and quality of life.

Why Complete Training Works for Real Weight Loss

Complete Training combines strength, conditioning, and movement skill ("mobility") into one structured approach. Every workout builds lean muscle while improving endurance and coordination. The result is a body that not only burns calories during the workout, but continues to burn more throughout the day.

A 2021 review of 149 studies found that consistent exercise led to average weight losses between 1.5kg (3.3lbs) and 3.5kg (7.7lbs) and noticeable reductions in visceral fat. (Source: National Library of Medicine, PMC8365736)

Another study from the University of New South Wales confirmed that strength training alone reduced total body fat by about 1.4 percent, nearly matching the effects of cardio. (Source: UNSW, 2021)

These numbers confirm what we see every day inside our gym...

Strength training does more than change the scale.

It transforms how your body functions and feels.

Why Strength Training Changes the Game

Most people focus only on calorie burn, but the real power lies in building lean muscle. Muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it helps your body burn more calories even at rest.

Research has shown that just ten weeks of resistance training can increase resting metabolism by roughly seven percent. (Source: PubMed, 22777332)

That means your body becomes more efficient at using energy even when you are not in the gym.

You are not just losing weight during a workout.

You are building a system that works for you 24 hours a day.

Movement That Improves Daily Life

Our workouts focus on training movement patterns, not isolated muscles. This is where the term “functional” really matters. You become stronger in ways that translate to real life... things like lifting your kids, carrying groceries, or climbing stairs without fatigue.

Studies show that functional training improves balance, coordination, and total-body strength more effectively than traditional machine-based workouts. These improvements help prevent injury and support long-term weight management by keeping you active and pain-free. (Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2018)

You Do Not Have to Be in Shape to Start

One of the biggest myths about functional training is that it is too intense for beginners. The truth is that it can be scaled for any fitness level. Whether you are starting from scratch or have trained for years, every movement can be adjusted to your ability.

Research on behavior change shows that people are far more likely to stay consistent when they feel supported and coached. That is why every session at Percheron Fitness is guided by a coach who ensures proper form, safe progression, and accountability. (Source: American Journal of Health Promotion, 2019)

This is not random exercise.

It is structured, personal, and intentional.

Training for Life, Not Just the Scale

Many of our members join to lose weight, but they stay because of how they feel. Complete Training improves more than body composition.

It enhances energy, sleep quality, mood, and confidence.

Multiple studies have shown that regular strength and conditioning reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and leads to improved sleep quality and stress management. (Source: Frontiers in Psychology, 2020)

That is when weight loss stops being the goal and becomes the byproduct of a healthier, stronger life.

Reframe the Goal

Do not train just to burn calories.

Train to build capacity.

Do not work out to get smaller.

Train to become stronger.

Do not aim for less of you.

Aim for the best of you.

That is what sustainable change really looks like.

Your Next Step

If you are ready to get off the rollercoaster and lose weight the right way through real strength, smart structure, and see lasting results, we would love to help you start.

Schedule your No Sweat Intro at Percheron Fitness today. It is a simple, pressure-free conversation about your goals and how we can help you reach them. It's literally "no sweat".

Hit the button below to book your intro and begin your transformation.

I'm Ready to Get Started