Category: Fat Loss
Does it even matter how many calories I burn in a workout?
Let’s dig into this common question people ask me: Why do other people seem to burn more calories than me?
At Orangetheory Fitness Seattle or at any heart rate monitored training, you’ll see the results of your estimated calorie burn after the workout. You will also see other people’s estimated calorie burn and I suppose it is natural to compare ourselves to others. Usually the people who are most concerned are women of normal size who are over 40 or 50 years old because their estimated calorie burn is significantly less than a tall, young, man for example. But does it REALLY matter how many calories you burn in a HIIT workout?
I probably could have titled this blog post: “8 Benefits of High Intensity Interval Training,” but I was inspired by somebody who asked me a question today!
The workout summary after a smaller sized workout class at Orangetheory Fitness in Seattle
5 Methods of Progression you can use to get Fitness Results Today
Always seek progression in Fitness.
Sure, there is a stereotype that trainers are always trying to get their female clients to lift heavier and to get everybody in general to work harder. If both clients and trainers can buy-in on the idea that progressive resistance is crucial for results, then together our work is more effective.
“You always have to go heavier,” is a Big Myth!
Not everybody can, will, or should continue to go heavier on various exercises. That being said, going heavier than your last effort on a particular exercise is one of the most obvious methods of progression and yes, it will work. So when you can, try to go heavier because you’ll burn more fat, tone the body, and gain confidence.
Brief insight into Dre’s Nutrition Philosophy
Let’s start with a brief overview and then we’ll dig deeper in the upcoming weeks and months.
When I was younger, I took a physical health class at a local college that changed my life. I learned about the basics of calories in vs calories out and then with the guidance of the instructor, I set physical goals for myself. I started out by walking a single mile in the neighborhood, over the next days, I would run the mile, then I would run/walk two miles and so on. At my peak, I could go out and run a half marathon anytime, no big deal — I slimmed down dramatically.
Over time, I’ve learned and come to appreciate so much more about food. I love food. Loving food is not an excuse to eat poorly! Take a quick look at my background over the last decade or so. We’ll be posting about more in depth topics soon (less about me, more about you).
Why you should only have ONE drink or less per day per week
This article is about the benefits of not consuming alcohol on six of out seven days in the week.
Or never drinking. Here’s why.
You should have one drink or less so that you can make progress towards your fitness no matter what your age.
If you are making zero progress on your fitness goals the FIRST thing you should do is cut booze.
Does drinking alcohol have benefits?
Research indicates moderate consumption of alcohol may improve cardiovascular health.
- That doesn’t necessarily mean it burns fat.
- Moderate consumption means 1 serving of wine at a time.
- Cardiovascular health can be improved more effectively through other nutritional intervention (such as pomegranate, mangosteen, goji, or sea buckthorn fruit juices)
If you’re having trouble burning fat and if you’re drinking more than two drinks at a time in any consumption session, then that is the first thing you should drop in order to reach your goals.
IS alcohol holding you back from elite fitness?
Your body weight is related to your entire history of eating including what your mom fed you. It is also related to genetics, but really we can only control our habits if we are diligent and caring of our bodies. It’s not that you can change your genes, it’s that you can optimize your genes.
Seriously, keeping that DNA healthy is Anti-Aging 101 folks.
Step 1. Consume nutrient rich foods.
Step 2. Reduce toxins.
Step 3. Do an INTENSE workout.
Step 4. Recover and repeat with progression.
Check out this infographic:
Feeling better is a pretty cool part of fitness.
A very fit person on most occasion will be between 8-18% body-fat.
For guys, 10% body-fat or less is usually the threshold for a truly aesthetic midsection.
For gals… 12-16% is a great goal to aim for — because it is reserved for only the dedicated.
Alternative to Alcohol!?
I’m not saying don’t go out and enjoy some alcohol. We all respond differently to environments and I have known some people who can go to a bar and not even drink alcohol. Personally, I would feel very attracted to a cold beverage in a HOT environment and you know what I mean.
Drinks that have low alcohol or no alcohol:
- Kombucha – comes in many flavours, probiotic, gut health, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.
- Ginger beer – (I would only drink if it contained actual ginger as opposed to just ginger flavoring) anti-inflammatory, possible gut health benefits which also contributes to inflammatory regulation.
- Maybe just avoid high risk situations – that means not spending time in the alcohol aisle, and to save your alcohol consumption for slow enjoyment, not binge drinking.
Find your reason and have your moment. If you can’t do that, at least you read this.
If you feel amazing with your life and you drink lots of alcohol — then by all means enjoy yourself. I’m not here to tell you what to do with your body, just to share this viewpoint that there are means available in which we can all work towards genuine wellness.
It’s not like I’m on this journey because it ever came easy to me. The struggle is real and for myself it’s personal. I’m not so much the guru as I am the one on the path next to you. Hopefully, it’s me… carrying the heavier load.
Stay tuned.
Dre Fitness 