Saturday, 30 September 2017

Some thoughts about exercise

The majority of my exercise has been walking. Now, unless you're seriously overweight or obese, walking is going to sweet eff all for fat loss. But it's great for general cardiovascular health, not polluting the environment, and general mental health and wellbeing. So on days where i sleep poorly or can't function i will forgo a workout and walk but i don't necessarily think of it as proper exercise, if you know what i mean. For me it's more a mode of healthy transport.

So what IS good for fat loss (for me)? In the past when i've wanted to shed fat i have committed to two hour sessions at the gym (30 mins weights, 1.5hrs intense cardio.) Intense cardio usually means something you do where you can speak and you're sweating like crazy. Afterwards you feel absolutely slaughtered. If i want to do this at the gym it usually involves walking on the highest incline or going on the recumbent bike and peddling at the highest resistance. At home it means skipping intervals but thats definitely not something i can do for a 1.5hrs. I'm not a runner so i don't even bother with that. Although i occasionally do a session of hill sprints if i can be bothered but at the moment i dont want too much bulk on my legs.

Weights, while a good calorie burner, i use more for shaping my body. It is essential for a good physique. Though i have lost weight through cardio and diet alone in the past when i have specifically wanted a lithe, slim body, that's not what i'm going for now. Plus, the fashion has changed. Strong is sexy etc etc.

Some people really pooh-pooh cardio (and when i say cardio i mean intense cardio) for fat loss but in my opinion it is absolutely essential if you want to lose fat fast.

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