Tracking, whether it be for fitness or nutrition has become ever more popular especially over the last 12 months during lockdown. People have become more health conscious and have discovered the beauty of mixing up their training for not just results but pleasure. Lockdown left many of us stripped of our daily fitness routines and we’ve had to adapt to a simpler slower pace of life. This has in some ways been a blessing in disguise for many in that it’s forced us to slow down and appreciate perhaps walking, meditating and joining online fitness training.
Understanding that staying fit and healthy doesn’t have to be the same routine day in day out, week after week. Mixing things up a bit is far more beneficial long term and most definitely more sustainable. This goes for both fitness and nutrition. Our bodies respond well to switching things up both physically and mentally, keeping us focused and engaged and able to stay on a steady path rather than a rocky road of ups and downs. I’m by no means saying to give up your gym membership, your group fitness or PT sessions (I’d be out of a bloody job!) but simply to look at what you do and tweak things along the way. You might have to !!
Running (long or short distance), Walking, Strength training, HIIT, Pilates, Yoga, Swimming, Cycling, Flexibility training….. They all have their place and as we get older, or our situation changes some of these suits better than others. They all, have benefits both physically and psychologically it’s just finding what works for you
One of the most frequently asked questions as we hit the ‘End Workout’ button on our trackers is how come my calorie burn is different with different styles of fitness?
Running/Walking
Firstly, let’s remember the longer we stay active (keep moving) the more calories we will see burnt. This is why a long run, cycle, or walk is so popular and for those who have the time to do it will burn a shed load of calories.
HIIT
A short HIIT training session, however, may be shorter in duration and show less calories burnt but there is an afterburn effect up to 24 to 48 hours post–HIIT workout. Your metabolism will be running higher after an intense workout, meaning you’ll end up burning more calories overall despite the shorter workout time.
Strength Training
The beauty with this type of training is that it utilises muscle mass and increased muscle mass can help your body burn fat more effectively.
Yoga, Pilates, Stretch
These types of training help us with flexibility, mobility and mindfulness which helps reduce stress levels. This in turn will slow down the production of Cortisol (our stress hormone) which is a FAT storing hormone.
Nutrition & Hydration
Let’s not forget how important fuelling our body is and that in order for us to shed the pounds and function at optimum health we need to provide our bodies with the tlc it needs. We will most definitely work harder and burn calories more efficiently if we fuel our bodies correctly.
All that said, there are other factors that effect how effectively we burn calories and then there’s the matter of shifting unwanted fat….. The ageing process and decline in hormones that comes with it, medication, mental health, lack of sleep are just some of the things that affect calories burnt and the rate at which we loose fat. If we can start to address things step by step, don’t overwhelm ourselves with too many goals then we’re on the right track towards a healthier lifestyle.
So are you ready to make a start or reboot your health?
Find a healthy balance?
Rub out some unhealthy habits that have crept in over lockdown?
I’m going to run a 3 week programme just before the summer hols kick in to reboot your mindset, nutrition and fitness and get you set for the summer.
SUMMER RESET – Starts in July 1st
Details coming soon……..
Email me if you’re in [email protected]
