I was Wrong

Let it never be said that I do not admit when I am wrong.

I was wrong.

I've been doing cardio at the start of my workouts then doing weights and core training.

Oops!!

I just found out that is the wrong order if your goal is to burn fat and become leaner !!

<insert sheepish smiley face here>

I found a wonderful blog post by a local gym that I feel is very valuable and informative and easy to understand. Well done!! This post explains and demystifies alot of misconceptions about exercise and workout routines.

You can read it here:

Fitness Tips that will change your Life

In case you need more proof, (I sure did) I also researched the concept of weights before cardio and found several more articles that support this thinking in addition to articles that also explain the pros and cons and reasons why to order your workout in specific ways to reach certain goals:

Does exercise order matter?
Before Or After?

Confused?

Me too. So being who I am, I am going to reverse my workout for a month; do weights first and cardio last.

I will let you know what I discover.

until then, don't sweat the small stuff!

How to Lose Belly Fat

So here it is; the sure-fire way to lose that annoying belly fat. But wait!! There are a few things you require first:

1) Be willing to work hard

2) Determination

3) Never give up


If you have those three qualities then this method to losing belly fat will work:

1) Regular exercise; at least 5 times per week for 1 hour each session. Include minimum of  20 minutes of vigorous cardio combined with weights, core training and abdominal exercises. (ideally you should try to do 30-40 minutes of vigorous cardio during 3 of the 5 visits to your gym per week and 20 minutes of cardio twice per week during your session)

2) A nutrition plan that is high in lean protein and low in fat and carbs and schedules your eating into 5 small meals per day (ideally you should try to focus on smaller portions more frequently throughout the day; this will help to boost your metabolism)


Now I need to tell you, I am not a doctor, nutritionist, professional trainer or any expert whatsoever. So how do I know the above advice works?? Well, I followed and continue to follow the above advice and it is working for me.

The results:

• I lost more than 6 inches from my waist in 12 months. 
• I have increased muscle mass (which helps to burn calories).
• My overall strength and endurance has increased significantly. (I now pedal 5km on the elliptical in 16 minutes, when I started 12 months ago it took me 40 minutes)
• My energy level has improved
• I sleep better
• My overall mood is happy and content

I welcome you to give it a try for yourself. Be patient. It takes several months before you see any real results. That's where the "determination" and "never give up" qualities come in.

Take a picture of yourself before you start. Then, take another picture three or four months into your program. You will see the difference. You will feel the difference.

Good health is not just about your body.  Having good health will affect how you feel about yourself. Your improved self-image will positively impact your life. You will be happier and more willing to try things because of the increased self confidence. It really is quite amazing how one small change can so greatly impact and improve the quality of your life.

I wish you all well.