08/11/2023
Training harder but looking worse?!
‘I’ve started training harder than ever, I’m eating exactly the same but feel like I’m actually putting on body fat and looking worse?!” Is something I’ve heard from a few people recently…
I dug deeper… Me - “Well what was your routine looking like before?”
X - “Oh, so I was just doing 1 x Pilates class, 2 x Basic slow Bodyweight sessions, a bit of stretching and loads of walking in and around being sat at my desk working.”
Me - “and now?”
X - I really wanted to improve my fitness and feel better in myself by leaning up so I signed up to do 3 x High Intensity Classes per week, I have 1 x really tough workout with a trainer and continued doing my 1 x Pilates class.
Me - “Oh WOW, that’s HUGE…how are you feeling doing all of that?!”
X - “Absolutely exhausted!! I barely feel like moving for the rest of the day after these sessions. It’s more difficult to focus on my work and I even take a nap on some days.”
Me - “I’m not bloody surprised! Haha You’re still doing lots of walking throughout the day around your work hours?”
X - “NO, I feel way too tired so just chill instead.”
PENNY DROPPED?!!!
Now I’m not saying you shouldn't increase your training volume or intensity, this is how we get fitter and stronger after all. HOWEVER you need to find a routine that works and is suitable / sustainable for YOU and YOUR lifestyle.
What is going to get you fitter but allow you to still feel energised and motivated for all your other daily tasks?
Doing 10K steps will on average burn around 500 cals…
If you have the goal of getting leaner and your training sessions are leaving you utterly exhausted and not wanting to move for the rest of your day it could be totally counter productive. Your non exercise activity could plummet and this is where we burn a large chunk of our daily calories, NOT the 45-60mins we spend in the gym.
Spend your exercise time working towards getting stronger and fitter whilst not overcooking yourself, keep your other daily movement high and manipulate your nutrition to compliment your goal. Gradually nudge your limits and build intensity as and when your body is able to cope with and recover from it.
