If you are trying to get into shape, as many of us are frantically trying to do at this time of year, you most likely already know what you should be doing, which is eating fewer calories and exercising more. However, are you aware of what you SHOULD NOT do? There are some things that we do that we think might be beneficial to us, but in reality they are hurting our efforts to get in shape and lose weight. In this post, we will look at a few of those different things.
Concentrating on cardio
It is a common belief that in order to shed extra pounds and get into better shape, one should engage in as much cardio-based exercise as they possibly can; however, this is not the case. People who go to the gym and do cardio for hours on end solely with the intention of getting into shape are actually doing themselves no favors and are wasting their time. An excessive amount of cardiovascular activity can lead to a loss of muscle tone in the body. HIIT is the most effective method of exercise for achieving a rapid reduction in body fat. Do not get us wrong—consistent cardio is beneficial for your heart and fitness, but if you are trying to lose weight, it is not the most effective method. If you do a lot of cardiovascular exercise, you should try to counteract the effects of all that cardio with some strength training so that you can keep and even improve your muscle tone.
Do not starve yourself
Do not be fooled into thinking that starving yourself is the quickest way to get in shape and lose weight; it is not. Because of the disruption that this action will cause to your metabolism, it is highly likely that you will see an increase in the amount of weight that your body stores in the future. You should always try to eat meals that are satisfying and nutritious, but you should also make an effort not to overeat. Using a calorie counter such as My Fitness Pal, you can determine how many calories you need to consume on a daily basis based on your current level of fitness and lifestyle, as well as your height and weight.
Do not try to do too much too soon
Keep in mind that losing weight is a process, not a race. It will not be easy for you to get to where you want to be because it will take some time. Have fun with trying new healthy dishes and checking out the best youtube workout channels and continually push yourself to achieve new things. Making it a habit will alter your perspective and frame of mind regarding physical activity and nutrition, and it will assist you in continuing to make the healthiest decisions possible in the years to come.
Giving up when the going gets tough
When it comes to weight loss, the most important things are to keep trying and to remain consistent in your efforts. It is likely that you will make a mistake now and then, but you should not let that get you down or deter you from moving forward with your goals. Think of it as nothing more than a speed bump on the path to a healthy lifestyle, and know that as soon as you get past it, you will be able to get right back on track and keep going.
What do you think?