Yesterday I worked out at my local health club for my bike and run workout as it was too cold outside. I rarely workout on machines as I prefer to be outside in the fresh air. I realized why I “retired” from the big gyms as a trainer in 2006… I get stressed out watching people eat, drink and exercise! I just have to keep my mouth closed but I really want to help everyone make the most of their workouts!
Thoughts…
1. If you are going to work out first thing in the morning and the intensity is light to moderate (treadmill walking, bike or EFX at talking intensity) you probably do not need to eat before the workout or drink a high sugar electrolyte drink as Gatorade. This would be a great time do to a “fasted” workout then eat afterwards. On a side note… please be aware of your form and posture on gym equipment. I cringed watching people walk on the treadmill holding on the front counsel and leaning on the cardio machines. Use your core and stand tall!
2. If you only have 30 minutes to exercise and the purpose of your workout is to get fit or lose fat weight then should you walk on the treadmill holding the handrails or slow motion on the bike watching TV? NO! Get more results out of your workout by adding intervals on the cardio equipment (mix it up- 30 seconds-2 minutes hard then easy) or add in strength exercise (not sitting on machines) that work you entire body then jump back to a cardio exercise. You only need 20-30 minutes and you are energized for the day. You will burn calories while you do cardio but you will continue burning more calories for hours post workout if you add interval or strength training circuit. Metabolic Efficiency.
3. Do you really need to go eat that muffin or scone and a latte after your workout? You probably just burned 200-300 calories during your workout then you sabotaged your workout by eating high sugar and empty calorie food that probably is about 800 calories? Maybe try a greens juice or a Shakeology shake? Read the labels and ingredients …go for items that are whole food and not added foreign ingredients. Smoothies at the gym or places as Emerald Smoothie have tons of sugar, fake food and carb calories. Get off the excess carbs!
4. We overheard a conversation between the espresso stand gal and a customer. “What is the best muffin to eat” … “try the blueberry or Marion berry muffin as berries are good antioxidants”? Really? I wish people would understand what happens when you eat high carbs/sugars. Get off the blood sugar roller coaster people!
