Fit for Life: Fitness? Or Foolishness!
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Matt Espeut, GoLocalWorcester Health +Lifestyle Contributor
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| Matt Espeut |
* Are you eating “nonfat”, “diet” processed foods?
* Are you sore for days after exercising?
* Do you train to total exhaustion?
* Are you starving yourself?
* Wasting money on gimmicks?
This is most people’s interpretation of fitness. If you are doing these things and not making any gains or feeling worse, sore or relying on painkillers and anti-inflammatories to make it through the day, it’s time to change.
The answer is as simple as eating quality whole foods and doing the proper amount of exercise. Fact: You cannot out exercise a bad diet. Eating processed foods whether they are low fat or not will actually make you fatter because most of these foods are higher on the glycemic index causing a rapid fluctuation in blood sugar, thus making your body store fat, rather than burn fat.
Strength training is the key to any fitness regime. When you build muscle, you burn more calories – period.
Decide your goals – Lose weight – improve golf, play with your children or grandchildren – look better at the beach – then give yourself enough time to achieve goals and seek advise from a qualified professional.
Fitness: It’s a noun! The condition of being physically fit and healthy. 2) The quality of being suitable to fulfill a particular task or role.
Are You Skinny Fat?
If you are a woman, sized 4 and your arms and legs jiggle, because your skin is hanging off the bone, you are skinny-fat. Here are some reasons why this is the case:
* You do too much cardio
* You do not get enough rest
* You do not do strength training
* You starve yourself / cut calories
The answer is simple:
- Lay off cardio & let your body heal. Stop wasting valuable nutrients your body needs to gain muscle.
- Strength train and building muscle will make you tone and fit and aesthetically more appealing.
- Eat the proper amount of nutrients. You cannot build muscle without the proper raw materials.
- Rest. Your body cannot utilize nutrients and repair damaged cells without sleep.
- Drink quality water and hydrate your body
Spring is here! Don’t be foolish – be wise about your exercise and diet - your body will look great this summer - and your health will benefit you for years to come.
Matt Espeut, GoLocal's Health & Lifestyle Contributor has been a personal trainer and health & fitnesss consultant for over 25 years. He is the owner of Fitness Profiles, a one on one, and small group personal training company, as well as Providence Fit Body Boot Camp, located at 1284 North Main St., on the Providence/Pawtucket line. You can reach Matt at (401) 453-3200; on Facebook at "Matt Espeut", and on Twitter at @MattEspeut. "We’re all in this life together – let’s make it a healthy one
