What’s the best way to start working out for beginners?
There are so many ways to start but I’ll just break it down into two main ways. One, hire a professional, and by that, I mean a certified coach/trainer with experience. Not your uncertified cousin or uncle who trains as a random side gig. There are many coaches/trainers that will provide a complimentary session. Use that session to see if their personality and training style matches what you are looking for. Two, if you can’t afford to hire someone there are so many free apps. The good part about many of the apps, is there are fitness level options for beginners. At the end of the day the best way to start is to get moving.
How does one create a workout routine?
When creating a workout routine write down your goals and the steps you think will help you get there. From there make your plan for mobility, stability, then strength. Use those three things to build the foundation of your workout routine. Be sure to track your progress through mini goals. Somes examples of this are: when you are able to increase your range of motion in a stretch, or when you are able to hold a plank (with good form) for 30 seconds, or if you get a new personal record for a certain weight in an exercise. Improving movement quality should always be the foundation of your workout routine.
Is fish really bad for me? I say no but what's with this vegan movement?
Long story short...no...fish isn’t bad for you. No one food or food group is bad for you in moderation. With that being said there are different types of quality when it comes to picking fish. Generally, wild caught fish would be a better option than farmed because of the living conditions. Sustainably sourced would be better in regards to the environment and maintaining the natural ecosystem of the particular fish.
Speaking of environment, many vegans don't consume animals and animal by-products for environmental and ethical reasons. Although, I have noticed veganism seems to be on the rise. From the outside looking in, I would attribute it to a documentary called What the Health (not the sole reason but I did see some correlation). This particular documentary put emphasis on how bad diary and meat are for us as humans. Although, I do not agree with the documentary (which I could write a separate blog post) it did its’ job well. The purpose of a documentary is to spark galvanistic emotion. In this case, it helped spark a rise in people changing their nutritional habits through veganism. Again, not to say this is the only reason, there are many people that are vegan because of their environmental principles and views on animals rights.
How do you feel about weight watchers? Or insanity?
I believe both programs serve a purpose of becoming more aware of health habits in two different ways. Weight watchers make you aware of your nutrition through a point system. To me, it is a way to quantify food easily. The fact that many restaurants have the weight watcher system printed on their menu is a bonus. I’ve never tried weight watchers so I can’t really speak to the sustainability of the program. That would be my biggest concern for making any nutritional changes a lifestyle.
On the other hand, I have tried insanity and it definitely lives up to its name for a home workout. It is a high intensity and high impact workout. You will definitely lose weight but, how much of that will be fat versus water weight from sweating I couldn’t give you a definite answer. If you have issues with your joints this program probably (more like absolutely) isn’t a workout for you. Also, the sustainability of this program is short term. If you’re looking for a long-term program I would try something more individualized trust me, your joints will thank you.
What’s the difference between leaning and bulking?
Leaning, or what some refer to as a cut, is the process of losing fat while maintaining muscle mass. Strength training is usually in a hypertrophy (8-12) or muscular endurance (12-20) rep range. With the volume (intensity x frequency) of training increasing. Along with that being in a calorie deficit. You’ll see this term thrown around closer to summer. While bulking is generally the opposite. Strength training is usually in a strength (3-5) or power (2-4) rep range. Intensity would still be high but, the frequency would be lower, therefore volume would be lower. Along with all that being in a calorie surplus. This is usually a term you see more frequently in winter.
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