One of the biggest obstacles with exercise can be finding time to workout. Along with that, there is a lot of miseducation out there about how much is needed, and what should be done during that time. Because there is so much bad information out there, the majority of people get frustrated with the results they are seeing compared to the amount of time they are spending at the gym.
Did you know that 30-45 minutes of cardio 3-5 times per week can actually lower your resting metabolism? Especially if your nutrition isn’t right and you aren’t training with weights properly. Oh, you’re a female? That makes it even worse because of the female endocrine system (hormones). It is extremely hard to gain muscle as a female, add in excessive cardio and poor nutrition, good luck!
At Plunkett Fitness we focus on anything and everything that will help you burn more calories OUTSIDE of the gym. There are 168 hours in a week, how many will you spend working out this week? Let’s say 10, which is a lot, but i’ll give you the benefit of the doubt that exercise is your part-time job 😉 Even at 10 hours per week, that’s only 6% of your time for the week.
Can you see how much more important it is to burn calories outside of the gym than in it?
Ok, Ok. So what should I do you ask?
#1. Your nutrition should consist of lots of Protein and fibrous veggies.
#1a. Reduce the processed carbs and do not go low fat.
#2. Train with weights. Resistance training will increase your resting metabolism when done properly.
#3. Avoid the excessive steady state cardio. We were made to walk and sprint and nothing in-between. Why do you think jogging sucks so much? It’s your body telling you to stop!
#3a. This should supplement your #1 & #2. Cardiovascular exercise is MAYBE 5% of the equation.
Have a great day, lift some weights, and let me know if you have any questions 🙂
