Hi Friends~
Did you see this recent article in The Washington Post? What causes obesity? A major new study is upending common wisdom.
If you did, or if you’re reading it now, is your reaction the same as mine? I was looking for something groundbreaking, some new science on weight loss (which I prefer to call fat loss). I can only assume that this research was deemed necessary, and the WaPo article was conceived to address the fact that there are still people who think that they can exercise away a bad diet.
There’s ongoing messaging on social media that with special programs you can exercise your way out of a bad diet, or even more inaccurately, that you can eliminate belly fat (or the stupid terms FUPA,) with certain exercise. The truth is, it’s impossible to out-exercise poor nutrition. But here’s the good news: strength training, especially building muscle, can make a real difference in your metabolism and fat loss—if you’re consistent and patient.
Fact: when it comes to fat loss, exercise and diet go hand in hand – but diet is a much larger hand in the process. No one can out-exercise a poor diet. If we want to lose weight/fat it comes down to calorie deficit (The reduction of 3000 calories = 1 lb weight/fat loss.). So it takes significant time to see the number on the scale go down. The quality of calories is a factor too.
Strength training is an effective way to help boost your metabolism, and with consistent effort over time, you’ll build muscle, which helps your body burn more calories at rest. But it’s all a gradual process – change takes time and patience.
Meanwhile, I’m sure you’re aware that there are conflicting messages about women’s’ bodies and how we should look.
The Pilates Princess vs Muscle Mommy thing is ridiculous, but it’s also damaging by polarizing and politicizing exercise.
If you love Pilates, Barre, Yoga, or rowing, cycling, lifting heavy, sports, or all of it, great. Keep doing it, and mix it up too.
I’m sure you know by now that I like being strong, and I achieve it in a lot of ways. As an older woman I’m damn proud that I can do lots of cool, strong grandma things. For you younger women, the messaging from the brilliant Ilona Maher, is my favorite. She’s the Olympic rugby star who’s featured in the recent Sports Illustrated issue.
The reality is, there’s no magic workout. Fall in love with your body and with moving it in all kinds of ways.
Fat loss is a whole-body process that comes with a well-balanced diet, and regular exercise, especially strength training.
Get strong and you’ll feel great. That’s a fact.
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
xPolli
