Moms have mistakenly believed that resistance training
shouldn't be the foundation of their fat loss program. Here
are the three most common myths about resistance training
and the "truth" about each.
1. Moms believe the answer to Fat Loss lies in CARDIO Can't
blame you, Mom! The fact that we are being bombarded with
misleading ads and articles on a daily basis boasting that
the best way to burn fat is to simply DO more cardio.
From a Popular Beauty Magazine: "The formula for great abs
is crunches + cardio = results. Cardio burns fat,
uncovering the incredible abs you'll have thanks to those
crunches. So hop on that exercise bike, elliptical or
treadmill for 30 to 45 minutes at least three times a
week..." The "cardio burns fat" myth is so rampant, that
the very support groups and forums women turn to for
answers are littered with faulty advice. From a Forum: "We
do 15 mins on the bike, 15 on the elliptical, 15 on the
treadmill, 1000 metres on the rowing machine (we're
building that up slowly because we hate it)."
Who has time for this? We are Moms, we are busy, we do not
have the time, energy or patience to attempt a fat loss
program that is solely based on cardio. And if you "hate"
something - how much longer are you going to keep up with
it - especially if you are no longer seeing results?!
Cardio is only ONE piece of the Fat Loss puzzle. When it
comes to Fat Loss cardio's role is much less important than
resistance training. More is simply not better. Cardio does
very little to boost your metabolism and extended sessions
not only eat up your precious time with little to show for
it, but also eat up your lean muscle, slowing your
metabolism to a crawl.
2. Moms are scared of "Bulking Up" Just the mention of the
word muscle makes a lot of women cringe. Images of huge
bodybuilder-type bodies make them run in the opposite
direction. Yet amidst this protest, Moms want to look lean
and toned. Well without muscle, it is impossible to attain
this desirable physique.
Women simply do not have the ability to bulk up. Men,
however, are able to add lots of muscle because:
One - they have the hormones to do so (we do not, well not
naturally).
Two - they lift weights in an entirely different fashion.
Three - they must eat a tremendous amount of food - muscle
need a LOT of calories to grow and get bigger.
So Moms, unless you are taking Testosterone boosting
supplements, lifting VERY heavy weights and eating an
upwards of 5,000 calories a day - you will NOT bulk up.
3. Moms think Resistance Training is just TOO Complicated!
"It's so much easier." "It is less intimidating." "It's
less complicated." These are the very attitudes that lead
busy moms to jump on a treadmill and walk or run for 45-60
minutes. The thought of picking up some weights seems
complicated and undesirable especially when there are more
"mindless" options from which to choose.
Sure, if you are new to the concept of Resistance Training,
an introduction to this type of workout can make you throw
your hands up in frustration.....what exercise, what
weight, set, super sets, repetitions, rests....Oh My!
The best way to begin a resistance training program is to
use your own body as weight. No gym membership, no fancy
equipment....just a small space and a few minutes of your
time.
Movements such as squats, lunges and assisted push ups are
great examples of effective bodyweight exercises that any
Busy Mom can do. Establishing a place to begin builds
confidence, boosts energy levels and in turn increases
metabolism. Moms naturally want to do more!
From there it is quite simple to keep your workouts
challenging by using equipment many moms already have at
home; a stability ball, dumbbells and a medicine ball.
When you have an effective resistance training workout
plan, that not only fits your fitness goals, but your
lifestyle, your plan becomes a priority and you achieve a
lean, fit body before you know it!
Now you understand not only the importance resistance
training plays in your fat loss efforts, but also how
easily it can be integrated into your routine. It is time
to adjust your mindset and your priorities. When you put
your time, energy and effort into a resistance training
regimen you guarantee yourself a faster metabolism and a
toned, tight, energetic body.
----------------------------------------------------
Holly Rigsby is a nationally recognized women's fitness
coach, certified personal trainer (CPT) and the author of
the internationally popular e-book - Fit Yummy Mummy - Burn
Your Baby Fat & Get Your Body Back. Go to
http://www.fityummymummy.com to get your FREE copy of her
special report: "The Top 5 Busy Mom Metabolism Boosters."
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