5 Things You Need to Know Along Your Fitness Journey
First things first, if you’re hoping for a sculpted, toned body, you’re going to need to lift weights. If someone previously told you, whether a trainer, a friend or family member, that you don’t need to lift to see results or shouldn’t lift to avoid bulk, they were lying.
The more muscle you have, the more defined they have the ability to look. Lifting heavy does not make you bulky, despite what you may have heard. This is the most outlandish myth in the fitness industry, so stop buying into it.
Additionally, there’s no secret recipe when it comes to weight loss or weight gain. You either need to eat less and move more, or eat more and move less. And it’s all dependent upon your goals. No need to cut out an entire macronutrient group or go for a run to “burn off” the extra slice of pizza you ate. We’re going to stop doing that, and we’re going to stop now!
All you truly need to do is keep it balanced and controlled.
Furthermore, sleep has a direct correlation to your fitness and diet routine. When you’re lacking sleep, you have less desire, focus or energy to work out at full capacity. When your sleep is lacking, your cravings and hunger increase and your brain isn’t going to indicate to your body that it’s full.
If you’re looking for a simple change in the right direction, sleep more.
If the above realization about weights and bulk didn’t shock you, this next myth is sure to.
Carbs are not bad for you. I’ll say it again. Carbs are not bad for you.
People have a misconception of carbs. They don’t make you fat. While this is true, you do want to focus on the types of carbs you’re indulging in. Choose carbs with fiber and or protein, vitamins and minerals, and neglect those devoid of nutrients. Part of the reason you may not be seeing results, though you bust your butt at the gym, could be because you’re not consuming enough carbs.
An overconsumption of food, in general, is what makes a person gain weight. You need to eat carbs to see progress.
Finally, what you do each and everyday is going to make up the bigger picture. You want to lose some fat? Okay, what are you doing consistently and daily to get there? Are you walking enough steps daily? Are you drinking enough water? Are you eating primarily carbs and fats with little to no protein? Are you indulging in snacks every time you enter the kitchen? Are you binging Netflix versus going for a walk?
All of this, and more, will add up to how quickly, if at all, you see results. You have to decide if you truly want to reach your goals in a timely manner. If so, come up with a plan and stick to it.