Strong Answers for Questions?
Or
Strong Questions for Answers?
Depending on how you would like to view this post is up to you. Every day I get thrown questions, questions that I would think people would know about the fitness industry. In all honesty, they don’t, or maybe they do, and just don’t like the answer. I’m not real sure. I have chosen 11 of the most frequent asked questions I am asked as a trainer, friend, relative, or just as ME! Here are my answers…
- Should I just do cardio to lose weight?
Answer: No, not just cardio – cardio, weight training and diet is your answer. Cardio is great to burn fat (while in the act) but one method is not enough. You probably won’t see lean muscle mass if this is all you do. Muscles help raise your metabolic rate and therefore, weight training and cardio go hand in hand.
2. Do I give up all carbs?
Answer: No! There are 3 macronutrients, fats, protein and carbs. Your body needs all 3. If your body consumes one in excess of the others, you will see a weight gain. It’s called balance. Should you not eat simple carbs? Absolutely. You should be looking for sugars that are found naturally in food and not processed or refined. This is why I look at ingredients and not a label.
3. How can I not bulk up?
Answer: My favorite #1 question of all time that is followed by this statement… “I can’t lift heavy because it makes my legs bigger.” Uhmmmmm ok. This is true to some extent. I get it. You want to be progressive in your training, not too much too soon. Will you build muscle? Yes. Your bulk comes from muscle under fat. You want lean muscle? Get rid of the fat. Your nutrition should be on point. You are not leaning by eating crap and working out. Lean muscles = Lean meals. Sorry folks, but that is a fact. I can promise you, I lift heavy and I’m not walking around looking like I’m on steroids.
4. Can I get injured doing squats or lunges?
Answer: You can get hurt doing any movement incorrectly. Squatting can be very beneficial. Squatting with terrible form can be very harmful. Don’t be afraid to ask someone if your form is correct.
5. You preach paleo – Is that all you believe in?
Answer: I do believe in it, but… I also have been around long enough to know that just because it’s a fact that it works, people will not do it or even try it. They want easy. Sorry, not sorry. That’s a fact. I have seen it on W30. What an incredible beautiful journey those 30 days are for people and then comes Day 31… Bye Felicia! 30 days down the drain. Yes, I have incorporated a supplement in to my life – WHAT DID SHE SAY? True story. After realizing I was not getting all the proper nutrients that my body needs, I began researching. I found a soy free, dairy free, gluten free, plant based supplement called Isagenix. I LOVE IT. It works for me. I still remain to cook paleo friendly, although I have added Isagenix in the mix. My results are amazing.
6. Do you ever over eat?
Answer: Yes and no! I am very aware of what goes in. When I do overeat, I’m constantly talking to myself when I do it. It’s mostly at a party when I start grazing for no apparent reason or chips and dip. A friend of mine said at a recent baby shower, “if you never start, you wouldn’t lose control.” She was absolutely right as we were both, dipping crackers in a shrimp dip.
7. Do you over train?
Answer: HA! I ask, do you under train? I have such mixed feelings on this. As for me, I would say no, but my physical therapist would say yes. Although I have not been to see Don in a while. I think I know my body well enough now to know when enough is enough. Do I watch people over train, yes! Those that join a gym, jump in with 2 feet, killing it day in and day out, and them BAM, tore that shoulder right up. Or the non-runner that decides to run a marathon in 3 months, the likelihood of a knee, IT band, or plantar flaring up is likely and very common. As exciting as it is to begin your fitness journey, do so with caution.
8. How do I get your legs?
Answer: Pick different parents. You can’t. I run every day, and I work out hard. Good genetics is where a lot of this lies. I promise I can say that about many of your abs. My abs suck, scars are my enemy. Embrace what you have, enhance your assets, and show them off.
9. If I can do one thing to get fitter, what would you suggest?
Answer: Find what moves you and get started. I can’t answer this for you. If I had a dance class to join every day at 11:00, you would find me there. That’s not an option that I have.
10. What would you tell me to cut out of my diet today?
Answer: Fast food and sodas
11. What’s the secret?
Answer: I wish I had an easy answer for that. The truth is hard work, dedication, a love for yourself, and the realization that every day you’re getting older not younger should be enough. Where will your body be in 1 year, 5 years, etc. is up to you. You are in control. Your choice.
If you have any questions, I’ll be glad to answer in my most honest opinion. If I could bring each and every one of you in the realm of how much better you would feel if you just changed something, I would. I can’t tell you how vested I am in my passion for changing you, this town, my family, the future… I can’t get enough.
Last but not least, stop talking about it and do it. You are the ONLY person that can change you.
STRONG – Mitzi
