Erik's Weekly Fitness Tip | What If...?

 

What If?

What if I told that you don’t need chiseled abs, well-defined muscular definition, or even a Hollywood A-list star’s body to be fit, strong and healthy?

I get weekly questions asking:

  • How to lose weight
  • How to maintain weight loss
  • What is the best diet to lose weight
  • How do you track calories

First, I love to hear that people are trying to make changes to better themselves.  Second, I’m always happy to help because a small tweak here or there with an easy suggestion can give people a much better chance of success.  It’s a win-win for both us.  While weight loss is a great place to start to regain your health, it shouldn’t be your only focus.  Look I get it, who doesn’t want to look great naked or fit into their favorite pair of jeans?  Everyone does!

But if we look at a long-term health plan for you, looking great naked wouldn’t be at the top of the list of priorities to achieving great health.  Getting stronger would be first.  Your strength as you age will have a direct impact on how much you can do. 

There are the obvious reasons why strength training helps:

  • Denser bones
  • Stronger ligaments & tendons
  • Better balance
  • Maintains muscle mass
  • Decrease your risk of injury,
  • Allow you to continue to do yard work
  • Allow you to continue to do any activity that you love doing
  • the list goes on & on 

More Benefits

The benefits continue as confidence and mental fortitude grow.  “Only the strong shall survive” is a common saying in the strength community.  While the “bros” and “meatheads” spew these words daily…there is some truth here. If longevity is what you are after and by longevity, I mean quality years in your 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90’s I suggest you start picking up some weights.  Your muscles are the motors that move your machine (body), protect those muscles by using them.  I promise you, you cannot go wrong with improving your strength and with most people, strength training brings a positive change with your body composition. 

What Next?

After that your focus should be on better eating habits, portion control, moderate cardio, and mobility and flexibility work like yoga or pilates. 

Fighting Father Time is where my passion lies, I want people living life on their own terms without having to compromise anything because their body is the limiting factor.  I totally understand the pressures that everyone puts on themselves to look great.  It’s just that eating minimum calories for aesthetics, in my opinion, isn’t the best way to go about health and fitness.  I would rather see you eat a little more and have the energy to crush your workouts, feel great, and enjoy life without worrying about a little extra on your frame.

Image Credit: Eddy Klaus via Unsplash

I can develop a strength training program for you 310.251.7420

 


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