Four Common Myths About Exercise And Weight Loss

Myth #3: Jogging/Cardio is the best exercise for weight loss.

Truth — Cardio burns more fat than blood sugar, so it will help to eliminate stored body fat. However, if you only do cardio, you will lose muscle mass from the rest of your body. You will end up “skinny fat”–meaning you look thinner, but have a low muscle to fat ratio.

For the best results, you need to combine cardio (jogging, running, cycling, etc.) with resistance training (weightlifting, CrossFit, HIIT training, functional strength training, etc.). The resistance training will build muscle while the cardio burns fat. The result will be more lean muscle mass with far less body fat–ergo, an amazing body!

Myth #4: Cutting calories/fat is the way to see serious results.

Truth — Severe calorie restriction will send your body into “starvation mode”, causing it to cling to all the energy and fat is has. For optimum weight loss, cut back on your daily calorie intake by no more than 500 to 1,000 calories per day. This way, you give your body enough energy to continue functioning while still promoting weight loss.

It’s VITAL that you continue to eat fat while dieting. Insufficient fat consumption is what sends your body into “starvation mode”. If you are going to restrict anything, cut back on carbohydrates (rice, noodles, fruit, etc.). Make protein the most important part of your meals!