In life, there are usually at least two paths to go by. Which direction you choose will oftentimes bring forth different results. And so it is with your fitness.
Fat loss is the most common goal that individuals have when it comes to exercise. However, there remains the path that one will undergo to get there. Aerobic exercise is necessary in whatever program you choose. It is how you implement the rest that will determine whether your path is a bodybuilder or a marathon runner, or somewhere in between.
Muscle burns more calories than fat. That is science. Therefore, the more muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn. But there comes a point in your fitness when a line is drawn in the sand and some hop over to the world of generating muscle mass where some stay more on the side of aerobic enthusiast.
If the overall goal is fat loss or to be physically fit, aerobics coupled with strength training will create a balanced fitness program. Strength training two to three times a week and aerobic conditioning three to five times a week is a good mix for this goal. Using higher repetitions of lower weights will create muscle mass while incorporating a circuit type training that will allow you to burn more calories in your workouts.
If muscle mass is the focus, then training with weights three to five times a week and interval training would work well. Interval training is high intensity interspersed with rest periods for at least thirty minutes. This will rev up your metabolism without breaking down the muscle mass you are building. Here you would incorporate lower repetitions with higher weights.
Whatever your goal is, whether that is to be a bodybuilder or marathon runner, you need to incorporate one of these two paths to get your desired result.
The best things about fitness is you can choose which path appeals more to you and then if you want to dip your toes into the other path to see what lies on that side, it is as easy as switching your goals and direction. This creates challenges and rids any program of boredom.
September 1, 2010 at 7:54 am
Laura,
Read your post on Hyperstrike Media, and was touched by your spirit and determination. We are in the midst of adding Rehab to our practice of acupuncture and chiropractic in our upcoming new office, however, the problem is that my husband weighs over 350lbs, and thinks that he will be instructing patients in exercises on TRX, Fitball stations, etc. We are both in our mid-50′s and this is my 3rd career – raised 3 healthy and financially independent children, former elementary school teacher, programmer for educational facilities, and former chiropractic assistant/office manager.
My husband (2nd husband)has been obese since I have met him, and is a DC (doctor of chiropractic.) He has tried/not tried numerous food and detox plans, including Isagenix, Weight Watchers, and even surgically implanted a lap band around his stomach approximately 5 years ago. His overeating started around the time of his divorce and continued to spiral out of control, with his weight peaking around 355lbs at present. At my request and the tutelage of another DC from NY, practicing in Savannah, GA, who has lost an incredibly 200lbs, had congestive heart failure, etc., he has been on Isagenix, but he is not being truthful about his food. He does most of his eating (mindlessly) during the day, between patients, and probably goes to convenience stores to maintain his, “fix.” At one point, upon arriving at his office, I even saw him devouring a whole pizza with a liter of Pepsi (the WORST.) His response to my arrival – a patient gave this to me!!
What a joke….Anyway, I am going to start attending Alanon, and have given my husband a time frame in which to finally do something about himself; it’s the ultimate ultimatum. His assistant even said that he does nothing all day but SIT!! He can barely even fit behind the steering wheel of his Honda, and barely fit in his office chair.
How can you help him??
September 1, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Sheila – thank you so much for your reply and openness. Please contact me at thefitcpa@gmail.com as I would love to discuss further your requests.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Laura