There’s a common issue we see time and time again. When people want to lose body fat their primary focus shifts to exercise. It’s a not necessarily an effective approach and I’m going to explain why.
Can training help with fat loss?
Of course.
Do you have to train to achieve fat loss?
Nope.
Is it the best way to lose weight?
Certainly not.
As you know exercise of any nature will burn more energy than doing nothing at all and some types of training are more efficient than others in terms of energy expenditure and improving basal metabolic rate (calories used at rest).
The problem is most people hugely overestimate how many calories they burn during a workout, are convinced by the idea their metabolism has increased whilst underestimating how much they’re consuming.
Unfortunately, we often hear statements along the lines of “I don’t get it, I exercise for an hour 4-5 times a week but the weight won’t budge.”
Let me ask you this…
What’s easier to do? Burn 500 calories or consume 500 calories?
Can you see where I’m going with this?
Exercise has many benefits and plays a fundamental role in creating an energy deficit. However, it’s still essential you make nutritional changes that support an energy deficit, rather than spending hours on the cross-trainer trying to burn off last night’s naan bread.
Fat Loss Essentials
We’re huge fans of exercise for many reasons but it shouldn’t be the primary focus when it comes to fat loss.
Exercise should be part of your weekly routine, something you do because you enjoy it and it makes you feel good. Don’t train purely on the basis you think you’re burning hundreds of calories and getting an “afterburn effect” to lose weight because it’s simply not the case.
Also consider if you rely solely on exercise to maintain your weight, what happens if you get ill or injured and can’t train? Are you then doomed and any hope of fat loss is out the window?
Not at all, if you’ve considered the other essential factors when it comes to losing weight and maintaining a healthy body composition which include nutrition, sleep and mindset.
We guide people through the basics daily and still see those who can’t exercise (due to injuries, illness or operations) achieve great results because they addressed the bigger picture.
This is the approach we use on our Fitter 16 – our Lifestyle Transformation Plan. Personalised nutrition, guidance on sleep, managing stress and putting together an effective training plan.
Check out some of the awesome results below and for more information head to www.fitter16.com and start your own transformation.
