Last week, I decided to trade in my running shoes and get back to the gym. I have always loved running since I did my first cross country race when I was 12. However, sometimes I forget the importance of resistance training and how confident, strong and energized I feel when I'm pumping a little iron. Also, running doesn't really help much when you feel like you are getting "soft", if you catch my drift?
Truly, the most efficient way to raise your metabolic rate is to lift some weights. When you increase your lean mass and decrease your fat mass, you burn more calories at rest. This translates to fat burning when you are doing NOTHING.
The benefits of resistance training go beyond getting a tight butt and looking good. Here are more:
Improve your posture and reduce back pain
Improve your balance and increase your energy
Prevent diabetes, heart disease and arthritis
Increase your bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis
Improve your sleep
Gain strength and carry those grocery bags with ease
My favourite benefit - boost your metabolism!
LOSE FAT
My goal is to lose 3% body fat. I do not weigh myself, ever. It is not a very accurate measurement of health, in my opinion. Case in point, many "supermodels" are actually considered obese. This is because although they appear to look very skinny, their body fat is extremely high. Someone who looks fit and toned may actually be heavier in weight then what one would consider acceptable, yet their body fat is perfect because they have a lot of lean muscle mass, and lower body fat. This is healthy.
I am excited about the program I have created for myself.
See you at the gym! :)
Joyous
[...] Here is the original post: I am back at the gym. Goal = Fat loss [...]
ReplyI have been watching my body fat % climb all winter and I agree that even though my clothes are still fitting, I am feeling soft. What body fat percentage do you aim for? I am 56 and kind of an exercise addict but obviously losing muscle.
ReplyWhat would you say is the best and most economical way to measure body fat?
ReplyThis post is actually over 10 years old now when I used to be a personal trainer so my goals have definitely changed and "fat loss" has been replaced with "feeling my best" which is what I encourage you to do :) There are various ways to measure body fat from calipers to scales that take your water hydration levels and estimate your body fat but I'm not an expert in this anymore. Sorry I can't help you further.