There is a lot of fitness myths out there that can make things seem very confusing at times. So I wrote this blog post to remind you to keep it simple! Results come with consistency not with hard line dieting for 3 weeks! You are so much more than what you weigh. Focus on being fit and healthy, and you’ll stop obsessing over that last 5-7lb. Enjoy your workouts, enjoy your healthy food and enjoy your weekends!
Myth 1:
You need to spend hours at the gym.
There’s absolutely no need to spend hours at the gym, you’re only wasting the precious time you have. You only need to dedicate 30 minutes, 4 -5 times per week to get brilliant results, if you’re doing the right type of exercise in that time. .. and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home! You can do anything in your twenties to get results, but once you hit 40, it’s a little different. You need to be more strategic as you’ve a lot more going on that used to. Hormonal fluctuations, a decrease in lean muscle mass, a decrease in your metabolism… these are things you need to take on board when you’re designing your workouts.
Myth 2:
Dieting & Restriction is necessary.
When you get into your forties and fifties, you start to realise that dieting really doesn’t work . Seriously restricting calorie intake for a few weeks only leads to more weight gain once you’ve stopped. Omitting food groups only makes you feel miserable. I think when you get beyond forty, you realise life is for living. Life feels so precious and wonderful, why would you want to spend it obsessing about your weight.
Myth 3:
You need the weighing scales to stay on track.
You don’t. What would happened if you gave up the weighing scales entirely and accepted that it might be a bit of an addiction, or a stick to beat yourself with. Two things. Your weight is going to fluctuate due to water retention and your hormones. If you do weight training, you’ll have more lean muscle mass, which is heavier than fat, but takes up less space. What would happen if you focused on feeling great in your clothes, and being fit and healthy? Your mood would improve because you’re only focused on positive things!
Myth 4:
Weights make you bulky.
No they don’t! They make you lean, trim and fit! You’ll get into great shape, while also building strong muscles and bones. It’s recommend that every woman over the age of 40 do strength training a few times per week to protect and prevent issues like osteoporosis and brittle bones.
Myth 5:
It’s all about the cardio.
No, it’s definitely not. A good combination of strength training, interval training and core work is what’s important. Hours and hours of cardio will not increase your metabolism, or build lean muscle like strength training will. Also interval training is really effective at burning fat!
I hope you found this article helpful.
You can go to inspirefitnesstraining.ie/freetools and download lots of helpful stuff to help you on your journey
To your success,
Jessica Cooke
