Comments on: Fitness & Health Questions

By: TaylorR

TaylorR — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:46:34 +0000

hey Joy, first off I am super impressed by your dedication! The paleo diet is definitely not easy to stick to, so good for you! Your workouts seems great and yes, I think you are getting enough cardio. I know the intervals seem really tough right now, but even if it’s a slight speed increase and decrease can make all the difference. And when doing the hill intervals work on trying to up the speed up even if its just 0.1 faster…. each workout try to get that include up a little more.
For example… start with 0 for 3 minutes, go up to an incline of 3 for a minute, the back down then up to 3.5 then down then up to 4.0… continue on for about 20 minutes and you’ll feel great!

By: Joy

Joy — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:45:48 +0000

Hi, I am a 30 year old mom of 3, new to fitness. I started working out in November. Diet wise, I have been Paleo since October. I am seeing great progress and feel like I rockstar. I have an odd problem that is the opposite of most women. I hate cardio and love strength training! I am working with a trainer in a group class 2x a week, and am definitely building muscle and losing fat. However i struggle to get in my cardio. I typically spend my half hour lunch 5 days a week on the treadmill doing brisk walking (3.8 mph) with hill intervals. I also do a weighted Zumba class on Sundays, just for fun, with another hour of strength training. Would you say this is “enough” cardio? I have knee problems which steps and stairclimbing seem to aggravate with that motion. I tried interval sprints and I’m not sure if its because I’m still somewhat overweight but I felt like I was going to die LOL. Any thoughts? I am really struggling to burn through the last 10 pounds or so, or at least firm up some more.

By: TaylorR

TaylorR — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:56:31 +0000

Hey Kate! School can have that affect for sure! For easing yourself into working out, don’t do too much too soon. I suggest starting with body weight circuit style workouts, these are fast and efficient at working those muscles. Cardio wise I 100% recommend intervals, they are intense and because of that only take 20 minutes to do. I have a lot of these style of workouts at theartofweightlifting.com. There are a few workouts here on the blog as well! Here’s a great circuit workout: http://www.liftingrevolution.com/killer-workouts-circuit-training-411/

Good luck!

By: Kate

Kate — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:23:07 +0000

Hi! I’m a 19 year old and for the past few years I have trained for athletics and dance around 3-4 times a week, and so keeping fit was not a problem for me. Unfortunately due to studying and general fatigue last year I do not complete anywhere near the amount of workouts that I would like to.
Do you have any advice on easing myself back into working out regularly? And do you have any suggestions for cardio that I would be able to fit into short spaces of time between studying?
Please help!

By: TaylorR

TaylorR — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:13:34 +0000

Hi Nick! Unfortunately fat burners are not worth the money. In fact studies show that people who take fat burners vs. those who take a placebo don’t lose any more weight. To burn off the fat, make sure on top of your workouts that you’re eating a very clean diet with about .7-.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Also, make sure your workouts are intense and each one you’re challenging yourself with more weight or reps. Good luck!

By: NickM

NickM — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:10:55 +0000

Hey my name is Nick, I am 20 and I’m looking to get more toned while still building muscle. I workout 4 times a week and I have a pretty healthy diet. My biggest problem is that my mid-section never seems to change. So I was wondering if there is a good proven fat burner, or if a fat burner is the wrong route to go. I really just want to be more defined. Thanks for the help.

By: TaylorR

TaylorR — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:09:07 +0000

Yes, I emailed her the rest so it would be easier for her.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 03:52:14 +0000

Did you finish answering Angela’s questions?

By: TaylorR

TaylorR — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:54:22 +0000

Congratulations Michelle! That is awesome and you should be super proud. If it’s loose skin and not fat unfortunately that’s a tough one because really the only thing you can do is have it surgically removed. If on the other hand it’s still some excess fat that you’re trying to get rid of I want you to look at your workout program… are you lifting weights to help increase your metabolism? Changing workouts regularly? With food, you’ve made amazing changes but now it might be time to get a little more specific such as how much protein are you eating? Eating small meals through out the day? This will help keep your blood sugar under control and your metabolism on high.
Are you a member of the art of weight lifting? There you can get workouts and recipes and have more one on one help from me… just a suggestion.
But you should be so proud of yourself and there is nothing wrong with trying to be the best that you can! Great motivation!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:58:34 +0000

I am 40 years old and have lost over 70 pounds this past year and have been maintaining for the last 4 months. I am 5′ 6″ and weigh 137.4. Unfortunately, with two c-sections and the weight loss I have some loose skin in the lower tummy area. I work out several days a week and have overall good muscle tone everywhere but in my tummy. Is there any exercises that will help tighten that area up? I have cut out all diet soda, refined sugars, and fried foods. Those changes have helped a lot by reducing bloating. I know I shouldn’t let it bother me but it does. I have worked so hard to lose weight and gain definition but my tummy discourages me daily.

Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.

By: TaylorR

TaylorR — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:40:12 +0000

Hi Stephanie,
This happens a lot to women when they go through menopause… thanks to a crazy change in hormones. To bring your metabolism back up and help reduce the belly fat, you can’t just target your stomach area, I wish you could. Spot reduction isn’t possible. However, strength training is what you need to get into. Body weight moves work great, but by building some muscle you’ll naturally bring your metabolism up and burn off extra fat. There are several workouts here on my blog but even more so over at theartofweightlifting(dot)com.