Ok.. so let me preface this blog by saying ALL exercise, for the most part, is good. I can list a few things that might be damaging to someone, but in general, if you exercising, your better off than if you’re not.
Given the above statement and my caution not to insult anyone, I am learning very quickly over the last few years, what the real key differences are in our daily workout routines and the smarter more modern ways to change our bodies to our end goals.
Now, I have done several years of different types / styles of exercising. I am a cardio lover who feels the more I sweat, the more calories I am burning. I commonly run streets, mountains, mud events, etc. I always loved formal cardio and still do. Cardio is KEY to one major muscle and system, the cardiovascular system or heart. Hence, why it is called Cardio exercise of course.
But after many years of cardio and much muscle isolation exercising, I was getting concerned because I was not seeing the dramatic changes I would have hoped for after all I had done. How is it that I go to a facility with others my age or even older are significantly stronger than I am, have more defined bodies and in most cases are better athletes?
What gives, what am I doing wrong and can I do this without working out 4 to 6 hours a day? I’m learning the answer is yes I can get there and no I don’t have to do massively long workouts. Smarter considerations for how I exercise, use major muscle groups and define proper form all add up to a stronger, healthier, more athletic me.
The practice is really based around core and surrounding muscle areas and adds up to significantly more calorie burn lasting substantially longer throughout the day and/or night as muscle repairs itself. Significantly more than cardio or muscle isolation will ever gain you. And I feel like I am doing less, not working nearly as hard but seeing substantial change in several areas including fat burn, muscle development and strength I have not had in the past.
“When you are performing resistance training instead while following a hypocalorie diet, then you stand a better chance of losing strictly body fat, while helping to enhance the natural curves of your body.”
Check the article at bodybuilding.com: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/fat_loss_training_wars.htm.
As I work towards a much larger scale of athletic ability than I have ever seen before, my aching back has stopped, my form is substantially better and I am gaining flexibility I have not had before.
I really think if you have been trying for a long period of time and not seeing substantial change in your body appearance, athletic ability, strength and muscle flexibility, it’s time to reconsider how you’re working out. You may feel you’re doing so much and burning so many calories but nothing is changing, then you may be ready for a change in the routine. You might be able to succeed with less fight and more smarts to a substantially better body outcome. Take a long look in the mirror and think about it. Are you ready go after body fat reduction while keeping and strengthening your muscle? Looking to perform much better athletically?
Stay tuned for follow up blogs considering nutrition and how this also plays a key role in your desire to have a healthier you!
