From the latest fitness trend to how to lose a few pounds fast, women have always had an insatiable appetite for a trainer’s tea. It doesn’t help that there’s an endless supply of ever-changing info that can be conflicting and sometimes misleading at the click of a fingertip. No matter your phase of motherhood, your body type, or your history, I want to set you straight and feeling great with my top four fitness facts!
Lift Lbs. to Lose Lbs.
Almost all of my client questions somehow come back to weight loss. Whether you are trying to drop lbs. or keep them off, I always recommend strength training. Of course cardio is important, but without a muscle building and toning component, most don’t get the results they want. I see you doubters out there afraid you are going to “bulk up.” Never fear, if you want to lift to gain, there is a science behind when, what, and how much you should lift. If you want to lift to lose, it can be as simple as using moderately heavy dumbbells (think 10–25 lbs.) to create resistance to challenge and change your muscle:fat composition. All women should lift in some way shape or form, as it is critical to maintaining bone density to ward off osteoporosis.
One Size Never Fits All
Be warned, I am on my soapbox for this one. Stop trying to have a body like that girl on Instagram. Sure, you can copy her workout regime and even her meal plan, but unless you can copy her DNA, you will not get the same results. It is a real thing that some people are predisposed to be more muscular, curvier, leaner, hourglass, etc. Moms, we need to be better than this. Isn’t it ironic that we are the ones teaching our children to celebrate their uniqueness and to love everything about themselves, yet we are the worst at it? Go forth and appreciate what your mama gave you. Yes, I want you to exercise and eat healthy to make you feel good about yourself — not to become someone else. The world needs you to be you.
If It Seems Too Good To Be True, Then It Is!
I know it is not what you want to hear, but quick fixes do not last. I need you to read this truth again. Money can’t buy you faster results even if the product has some amazing before and after pics. Yes, completely cutting out a nutritional component can yield weight loss, but there is a price to pay. Will you miss out on vital proteins, fats, vitamins, or minerals just to see the scale move? Will your energy levels plummet? Will you eat like this forever? Will you know how to choose food wisely when you are out to eat or panic or cook for your family? Life is too short to continually deprive yourself, hit your goal weight, relapse, and repeat. You need to be able to have a life where you go out to restaurants, attend parties, and be able to eat without throwing yourself into a tizzy. To lose weight the sustainable way, you need to eat a well-balanced diet and incorporate exercise with strength training, period. The miracle solution is the right knowledge, a little self-discipline, and consistency.
Rest Is Best
This is for all you overdoers out there. I see you because I was you. Exercise makes you feel good, the endorphins kick in, and you get smiley and energized. Honestly, it’s a similar feeling to nesting when you are ready to get things done and take on the world. Beware though, it can be a little addicting, especially if you just lost some weight and fear it won’t last unless you get in a workout. Hear me, you need a rest day or two. Our bodies are designed to repair and rebuild nightly from the daily grind. Throw back-to-back-to-back tough workouts in the mix, and your bod will require more rest to get the job done. If you want to reach your maximum potential, give your body time to recover. Don’t let that fearful voice inside your head convince you otherwise.
Mamas, the bottom line is you are already the next best thing in the fitness market. You have the body and mind to make anything happen. You simply need to prioritize your time, drum up some motivation, and stay the course. Let go of your excuses because we all have them. Thanks to the pandemic, I truly believe that no matter your budget, you can find an online personal trainer, group fitness classes, and strength training information — it’s all only a click away. Sometimes we all need that kick in the pants to get going, consider this post yours.
