ALL or NOTHING!!!

In my first blog of June I thought I would discuss the all or nothing attitude I often come across in regards to dieting and training.

Ok, it’s Monday time to jump on the diet, today I will train twice, eat very little and boom I should be lean by Friday yeah?

Too often I will chat with a client who adopts the all or nothing attitude using a low calorie/carb diet and excessive amounts of training generally way to much cardio which leads to the trainee breaking their diet, which then leads to them giving up on their goal.
Sound familiar?

So my question is, why not be progressive about getting into shape?

Do you want overnight success?

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but you didn’t get out of shape overnight and you shouldn’t expect to get into shape overnight either!

So “what do I do” I hear you ask?

1) Firstly you need to get your nutrition on point this is the most important thing. Your nutrition plan should be progressive too. Slowly cut calories don’t do it all in one hit, give your metabolism time to adapt and give your body time to get used to what you are doing.

This is where I think calculating your macronutrients comes in very handy, it allows you to take the guess work away and slowly cut calories which will allow you to get lean and steadily drop fat making it an easier process.

2) Follow a good resistance training program, build muscle and get strong. Trust me; I’m yet to see a lady or man that has switched from “cardio bunny” to a “lifter” not get a good result. Admittedly, it is always easier to convince the men of this as the “bulking” stigma with ladies and weights still remains but if you’re looking for a lean physique resistance training is where it’s at.

3) If the above two have stopped working and fat loss has halted.

I would question number 1.

If your nutrition is spot on then I would introduce some high intensity cardio think prowlers, sleds and sprints (Strongman training). Be progressive about this to. Doing multiple long, slow cardio sessions will be no benefit and if anything be detrimental to your fat loss goal. Short, sharp, high intensity burst will give you more bang for your buck.

In conclusion, my message is it’s not going to happen overnight. Be progressive and be patient. Don’t try and do it all at once, break it down, make lifestyle changes and achieve your goal.