Think Better About Fitness

Many people believe that more of a good thing is better. However, that’s usually not the case, especially when it comes to fitness training. For example, overtraining, over-supplementing, and consuming too much protein are shown to have adverse health effects.

A realistic mindset about fitness considers that more is not better, but better is better. When this mentality is applied, appropriate workout sessions and nutrition are planned. Having a better strategy promotes listening to how your body feels during workouts and paying attention to intuitive eating. It creates a positive outlook on physical training and nutritious eating and sets the stage to adopt a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

Work Smarter Not Harder

Thinking better about fitness means becoming smarter in your strategy. Getting fit and maintaining a healthy body becomes a simple process, not something hard or burdensome. It helps you understand that you don’t have to perform hours of grueling workouts or eat loads of protein to reach your goals. As a result, you take on a new philosophy that uses consistency as the way to achieve fitness success.

Better fitness means performing exercise that works best for your body. This includes lifting weights appropriate for your fitness level and that can be executed in good form. It also means avoiding exercise that may aggravate an existing injury. You learn how to work smarter and not harder as part of your fitness program.

Those grueling workouts are replaced with sensible programs utilizing differing energy systems of the body.

The American Heart Association lists the following exercise recommendations for adults:

• Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week.
• Add moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity (such as resistance or weights) on at least 2 days per week.
• Spend less time sitting. Even light-intensity activity can offset some of the risks of being sedentary.
• Gain even more benefits by being active at least 300 minutes (5 hours) per week.
• Increase the amount and intensity gradually over time.

The above is a good reference, but I also like to include that a well-balanced fitness program challenges strength, core, stability, and flexibility. And exercising at least 4 times per week is shown to maintain a healthy body according to research.

Better Food for Fitness

Having a healthy relationship with food is also important. What we think is healthy may not be healthy at all. In fact, eating more than is required of any macronutrient can derail fitness goals. Consuming a balance of whole nutritious foods including lots of veggies, lean proteins, and good fats in appropriate amounts is what maintains optimal fitness.

The body needs a certain amount of each macronutrient, and over-consumption is shown to promote weight gain, obesity, and other health problems. Contrarily, eliminating healthy foods can potentially cause nutrient deficiencies, according to clinical studies.

Effective Exercise is Better

Many believe spending hours in the gym each day is needed to achieve fitness goals. This is an unsupported myth and a perfect example of thinking more is better. The truth is that quality workouts, not quantity produce quality results. And research indicates overtraining can have adverse effects on your body, not to mention an increased risk of exercise burnout.

Over-use of joints and even muscle breakdown can occur when the body is overtrained. Overtraining syndrome is shown to decrease your immunities, decrease muscle growth, and increase stress levels.

Another problem is exercise addiction which may occur for those feeling guilty about eating off track and psychologically beating themselves up in the gym. Obsessive exercise to relieve food guilt can increase the risk of overtraining syndrome.

Appropriate workouts are focused and effective taking no more than an hour to complete.

Closing Thoughts

What it comes down to is being fitness smart. This means not believing more is better. It allows you to enjoy the process of getting healthy with proper nutrition and workouts.

Oftentimes, simple but challenging workouts provide the best results. You can maintain your body without overworking to the point of burnout or injury.

Also, it’s important to stay away from fad diets and certain supplements. The only proven scientific claims to successful fitness are eating right and exercise.

The takeaway is to eat right, exercise consistently, and enjoy a balanced life. This is true fitness and nothing more to it.

As a personal trainer and coach for over 30 years, I share videos and posts specific to the importance of aging well through proper nutrition and fitness on my Instagram page. I look forward to having you as a follower.

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Stay Healthy,

Darla