Is It Time to Break Up With Your Gym?

So you've overindulged a wee bit at the weekend... again

But you're not overly concerned, because you'll be at the gym at least twice this week. You're already in mitigation mode and thinking that the spin class /5-aside/kettlebell sessions tonight will take care of those wine/beer calories of Saturday and is probably the punishment you deserve for being naughty at the weekend.

Looking at how busy the gym is on a Monday, you are not alone. This indeed was my 'intuitive' method for keeping control of my weight for many years. Certainly, my fitness levels fluctuated throughout this time, depending on how much cardio/vs weight training I was doing. But it's fair to say I still looked 'chunky' with my shirt off, through all of those years.

It's crazy. Because even though the lacklustre results continued to stare me in the face, it was only around 5 years ago (after being forced to explore alternative solutions due to sciatica/back pain) when I discovered the science behind why I had been wasting my time in the gym all these years; and more importantly what I should be doing instead! 

I learned that for anyone trying to lose weight, exercise is not where our focus needs to be. The results are in, and exercise is just not very good for weight loss. It can even prevent fat-loss results for some people. Post-exercise doughnut or latte anyone? Maybe I'll just take the lift instead of the stairs today? Just a short dog-walk tonight - I don't need it after 'burning off' a gazillion calories this morning...

We've all been oversold the 'fat-burning' myth by gyms and PT's for many years, so we can't be blamed for thinking we have a few hundred calories 'up our sleeve' for later. But if you recognise some of these behaviours in yourself, exercise isn't just a waste of time; it is probably counter-productive for achieving sustainable weight loss.

So what should you do instead?

Well, over the next few months, I'll be providing you with all the details right here on this page. But our focus will begin with the biggest 'bang for the buck' habits and nutrition changes for weight-loss. Only when we have some of those 'big rocks' dialled-in, do we have any business wasting time down the gym. If you're truly trying to lose weight, you'll be surprised at the new and improved progress you'll make by shifting your priorities.

 Keep moving by all means. Treat your dog to better walks. Exercise is a cornerstone of health for lots of reasons that we'll cover in another article. But on its own, it's just not useful for fat-loss. You might find you'll make your best progress without it.

Does any of this resonate with you? I'm interested to know how much you've been trying to lose or manage weight through exercise? What changes have you seen to your waist size over the years? Does it reflect my experience?

Every week, I'll be posting tips and tactics for getting the results you deserve. So stay tuned, and I'll be sharing some common sense practical things you can implement, no matter how busy you are.

Thanks for reading folks.