Even though cardio is super beneficial for overall health and longevity, if you are seeking to lose a few extra pounds adding more cardio to your routine will probably NOT provide you with the weight loss benefits you are hoping for. WHAT? WHY is this? It is because your body gets used to the calorie deficit and will begin compensating and storing energy as fat.
Here are a few suggestions to get you back on track and headed in the right direction.
- Use some of the time you are currently performing cardio in exchange for weight training
Increasing lean muscle mass will increase your resting metabolic rate, which accounts for 60-75% of daily calories used. Increasing your resting metabolic rate will also give you the ability to utilize fat for fuel for 24 hours plus, you will not get this same benefit from cardio alone.
- Follow a metabolic efficient daily eating plan
Make sure you are getting your daily intake of fat and protein and non-starchy vegetables and refraining from processed oils, sugar, or alcohol especially after working out. Sugar packed juices and a night at the bar can totally derail your weight loss progress by spiking insulin and storing sugar as fat.
- Implement Restorative Exercise
Yoga is an excellent example of restorative exercise and helps strengthen muscles and connective tissues igniting weight loss. It does this by reducing stress and cortisol levels (Side Note: Stress and elevated cortisol levels are a major reason for weight gain and hormone imbalance).
If interested in learning more about the services Sparks Systems offers, please email [email protected].