Author: Amber French
The fitness industry is a billion dollar industry and it literally has a billion different opinions on weight loss, optimal health and overall fitness.
It is a business of promise and quick fixes, a load of conflicting information and several different camps of individuals who feel their way is THE way. In fact it kind of sounds a little like organized religion and for some it is just that. The worshippers identify with a god (read: celebrity/trainer) read their scripture and punish themselves mentally for not following the commandments to the letter.
Knowing that they can never enter the Kingdom (read: smaller waist, defined muscles and low body fat %) if they don’t do exactly what they are told. But I digress…
The world of fitness can also be a supportive community, the only social interaction some ever have, a place to make lifelong friends and an environment to take back your health and become a shining example for all those in your life.
So what do you really need to know about fitness?
My staffs utilize several complicated formulas and measurements to pinpoint your exact fitness level. These formulas are invaluable to us. They allow us to zero in on areas that need improvement or are prone to injury. They provide an accurate baseline from which we can accurately measure your progress. However, you don’t need to understand or even be aware of these calculations to understand fitness. Here is what you need to know;
Step #1 Find what gets you moving (I know simple and we have heard it a million times) what people forget to tell you is you then need to do it almost every day and you need to strive to make it “better” longer more intense etc.
Step#2 Track what gets you moving, so you can realistically set new achievable goals and see how far you have come.
Step#3 IMPORTANT!! Find something else that gets you moving. Muscles can become easily accustomed to certain movements. (Repeat Step #2 at this point)
No exercise I, or anyone else, recommends is going to work if you hate it, can’t relate to it or need to bribe yourself with Ice cream just to get through half a session.
Your movement/fitness program needs to be joyful. It should also make your body feel good and strong during your session and after (not torn down and beat up). If you get caught up in the promised results you will not see any results. BUT, if you get caught up in how much fun it looks or how exciting/challenging it is, the results come naturally and they become your results.
Here are some useful tips to help you out along the way:
Tip#1 – If you are going to invest in videos, know that you are investing in is 6-8 weeks of content after that you muscles will adapt and need something new.
Tip #2 – Always focus on movements and exercises that focus on your larger muscles (quads, back, chest etc). Working out specific smaller muscles can be a waste of valuable time and should get worked if you are doing a variety of exercises with your larger muscles anyways.
Tip #3 – Functional exercises (things that mimic actual real life movements) are the MOST effective. Like walking bending lifting jumping, stretching etc.
Tip #4 No need to invest in lots of toys. The more basic an apparatus the more results you will see (think: skipping rope, yoga mat, medicine ball – in fact you can create an entire full body work out from just those pieces!!!)
Do your homework, ignore trends that don’t feel right and just keep moving EVERY DAY!!
Drop me a line if you need help putting together a program anytime at info@theveganhouse.ca.
About the Author: Amber has been in the fitness and recreation game for over 15 years (not including school!!). She made fitness her life because as the age old saying goes, study and teach what it is you need to learn. In other words, she’s battles with some weight issues for many years and wants to share what she has learned along the way.
You can follow her @TheVeganHouse
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