The 7 Most Popular Fitness Questions
If you’re interested in fitness or getting back into fitness, these questions are likely floating around in your mind.
How often should I workout?
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends getting 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week to achieve the health benefits, maintain current weight, and/or prevent weight gain.
Those who are overweight or obese, the ACSM recommends getting 250 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week. Results in studies have shown that is this is followed, weight loss can be significant.
Just a heads up: moderate intensity is where you are out of breath a little but you can hold a conversation while performing the exercise.
How do I know how much weight I should be lifting?
Repetitions are key. Weight lifters should do 10-12 reps per muscle of their choice, and the weight used varies based on your fitness level. The final repetition is the one to pay attention to. If the 10th repetition is difficult, decrease the weight. If the 12th repetition is too easy, increase the weight.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends strength training all the major muscles 2 to 3 times a week. Remember to exercise large muscle groups on non-consecutive days. For example, you can train the upper body Monday and Wednesday and train the lower body Tuesday and Thursday.
Are abdominal exercises effective if I want to lose extra fat around my stomach?
No. Abdominal exercises are great for strengthening your core and back but there is no such thing as spot-reducing fat. Comprehensive cardiovascular workouts throughout the week are the most effective and will reduce the amount of fat that has accumulated on the body.
How many calories are burned while walking or jogging one mile?
On average, the caloric expenditure per 100 pounds of body weight per mile is 62 calories. So if a person weighs 200 pounds, they would burn approximately 124 calories while walking or jogging.
I have been working out for a while now and stopped losing weight. What is happening?
More than likely, you have hit a plateau. This means that your body has become used to the activity you have been doing to lose weight. Our bodies are smart machines and become very efficient over time when the same activity is performed.
To challenge your body, do a variety of exercises. If you like to run or walk, increase your speed every 2 minutes to increase your heart rate even more. For example, walk two minutes, run two minutes, and repeat for 20-30 minutes. For runners, run two minutes at your normal speed then sprint for one minute and repeat for 20-30 minutes.
How many calories does it take to burn one pound of fat?
It takes 3,500 calories to gain or lose one pound. To lose one pound per week, you need to decrease your calories by 500 every day. This is usually done by cutting 250 calories out of your diet and burning the other 250 through activity.
I have no time to exercise, what can I do?
If fitting a workout into a busy schedule is challenging for you, concentrate on getting small workouts in throughout the day. If your job takes the majority of your time, consider taking 3 to 10 minute breaks and walk at moderate intensity, where you break a little sweat and are slightly out of breath. Taking these breaks are not only good for physical health, but also for mental health. You will go back to work feeling refreshed and satisfied.
If home life consumes most of your time, consider doing squats or other muscle toning exercises while doing housework. If you work from home, use a stability ball instead of a chair to sit on. You can also walk on the treadmill during conference calls. Ever heard of NEAT exercise? You can incorporate sneaky forms of exercise into your day by learning more about NEAT at this link.
These are small changes that can make a big difference in overall health and weight loss. And remember: Doing something is better than doing nothing!
Related:
- Why You Should Consider Low Impact Workouts
- How to Start an Exercise Routine that Works for You
- Get Outside in Nature This Winter: Why It’s Good for Your Mental Health
Photo credit: Getty Images
How to get rid of love handles?
Hi Hnguidry 🙂
As I mentioned in my blog, there isn’t a way to spot reduce certain areas of our bodies unfortunately. Having a comprehensive overall cardiovascular routine is your key here, that will burn the extra fat your body is carrying. There are however certain exercises that will strenghten those muscles: planks, let flutters and twist crunches. Again, burning the extra fat will help get rid of those love handles.
I hope this helps!
Hi, I workout 5 days a week out of the seven and I was wondering if it’s better to do an hour of cardio on Monday, Wednesday’s, and Fridays and then I do weights Tuesday’s and Thursday! I was wondering if I should do a combination or the two everyday and if so how much cardio would you recommend?
The no time is usually a huge issue. These are really good tips for someone who has not time. However, people fail to act on advice given to them. The key is action because only then results will come.
do i burn more fat when jog in the morning instead of afternoon . because sometimes i can only jog at noon time . Thank you !
When i do a workout i feel weak and wobbly
You probably aren’t eating enough food.
1.Whey protein is necessary for fitness?
2. After 8.pm workout give best results?
1. Whey protein is fast acting/absorbing so it is great to take right after a workout or during an endurance workout to make sure your body isn’t essentially eating itself.
2. It completely depends on your goals. Morning workouts are best for strength because you are at your weakest right when you wake up so building strength at your “worst” will make you stronger at your best. To build muscle later workouts are very effective. Don’t focus on the actual time however, it could be different depending on your sleep schedule. The general idea is 1-3 hours before you go to bed.
Thank you for your post.
My question is:
1) What are top 5 at-home exercises that you recommend?
2) What are top 3 equipment that you recommend to work out at home?
is it mandatory to have your protein shake immediately after the workout? what will happen if take it after 30-40 mins?
Am I suppose to “loose weight”, before doing any kind of exercises or toning? My main focus is getting rid of my muffin top, and toning my glutes. I have began doing muffin top exercises, like planks, bridges, side leg raises, and squats. Should I stop doing these and concentrate on loosing weight first? I am not too overweight, would just like to shed about 20-30 lbs which isn’t much. I am trying to eat better and get in as many exercises as possible.
Thank you in advance!
I want to lose about 100 pounds as fast as possible. I don’t have much time for exercise, but I really want to lose weight. What should I do?
Very informative blog. So tell me I am 73 Kg, what should be my intake of protein per day?
Pretty cool info about the calories burned while walking, wasn’t aware of that!
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful article. Thank you for providing
this information.
Amazing, Such a great article. it’s a perfect blog. I love your post. I looking on your website what kind of information I’m searching.
Thanks Alka, glad you enjoyed it!
I found your this post while searching google for information about blog-related research … It’s a good post. Thanks
I work out and eat healthily but my weight just plateaus – why?
I have osteoporosis – what can I do?
How do I stop my middle spreading?
What is the rib-hip connection?
I’m pregnant – can I work out?
How do I know if I’m doing enough?
I’ve no time for exercise and don’t really like it – what can I do?
Hello, I have a question…
In April I started to change my habits. I used to eat a lot of sugar and cookies and that sort of food. I stopped eating those kind of things and I started exercising around 5 times a week.
In the beginning I wasn’t loosing weight (for the first 2 weeks) although I was loosing a lot of inches on my belly. Then I started losing weight but now I have stopped losing weight again although I’m still losing inches.
Do you have any idea why?
Thank you in advance
Wow! Way to go, Sarah! Congrats on your progress and we wish you the best on your wellness journey. Have you tried speaking with a nutritionist, fitness coach, or doctor? If you feel yourself plateauing, it’s best to consult with an expert before making any serious changes to your current regimen. They can help evaluate your current progress and help you plan out your next steps. Good luck! Thank you, Candice
Hello,
I want your suggestion. My weight is 73 kgs. Height is 5’9″. I workout 2 body parts 2 times a week. My workout routine is 1) Legs & Shoulder, 2) Back & Triceps, 3) Chest & Biceps.
I want to know is this the right sequence to follow?
Also, what to eat post and pre workout?
Shall I workout 2 body parts 2 times a week or 3 times a week? If 3 times a week then what will be the workout routine and what are the exercise to do each day?
Thanks
John
Hello! This largely depends on your personal fitness goals. As mentioned in the blog, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends getting 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week to achieve the health benefits, maintain current weight, and/or prevent weight gain. However, if you are overweight or obese, the ACSM recommends getting 250 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. As far as a specific routine, we recommend following up with a certified local trainer in your area or even your doctor.
In regard to your question about pre- and post-workout snacks, pre-workout snacks should be consumed about 30 minutes before your workout. A good snack should consist mostly of carbohydrates, as carbs provide you with energy, speed, stamina and concentration to ensure you have a good sweat session: https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2019/08/06/pre-and-post-workout-nutrition-tips/ If you’re looking for snack ideas, use our blog post here: https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2020/07/15/ten-power-foods-to-fuel-your-workout/ Thank you, Candice