Looking to lose a few pounds but don't know where to start? Between books, magazines, and the online world of endless information it is pretty easy to find workout advice for any question you may have. Rather than lose yourself in information overload take a quick look at a few of the most common workout questions we had and see which is better for you. Our knew found knowledge helped us change up our workouts so we are now working smarter instead of harder!
SUNRISE OR SUNSET WORKOUTS?
This question may be answered for you based on whether or not you are a morning person, or what your schedule allows you do to. If the choice is yours however, many the experts have found one slightly better than the other. Planning your workout in the am leads to more consistent workouts as your daily plans can't get in the way of a later workout. Mornings at the gym also tend to be less crowded, and morning exercisers enjoy a jumpstart to their metabolism as well as a dip in blood pressure both during and after their workout. Dr. Oz also found that the AM workout crowd fell asleep quicker at night and were able to achieve a deeper more restorative sleep through the night.
Don't lose hope Sunset Sally's. PM exercisers tend to have more strength for their workout as they are not groggy from hitting the alarm 3 times and rolling their sad selves out of bed. Because they are fully awake and have fueled their bodies all day long they are also able enjoy a longer and harder workout if they so choose. After a full day of happenings evening workouts also tend to help with stress relief with in turns helps with your weight loss. Taking your frustrations out on a workout is more likely during the evening than those who enjoyed an am workout and are now fighting the urge to snack. It may also be easier to find a workout buddy in the evening hours, and research has shown friends sweat together lose (weight) together.
KETTLE BELLS OR DUMBBELLS FOR MUSCLES TONING?
Kettle bells have become a trendy fitness item as of late and are an effective workout tool. That being said, for building muscle Bill Campbell, Ph.D. explains it better than we do, "moves like a dumbbell curl or press are more effective at stimulating type II muscles fibers, which leads to an increase in muscle size. When you do kettle bell specific exercises like swings, you use momentum as well as force. While these calorie burning moves do use type II muscle fibers, they primarily activate type I fibers, whose main function is improving endurance-not growing muscle."
CARDIO BEFORE WEIGHTS OR AFTER?
Exercise physiologist Marta Montenegro, says for most women weights should be first. If you are wanting to slim down and shape up, hitting the weights first uses your anaerobic energy systems first so your body will be ready and able to burn fat by the time you hit the treadmill. That means more calories burned, not just in the gym, but after your cool down as well. By doing cardio first your muscles will be tired and your weigh routine less effective.
YOGA OR PILATES?
The great debate among Yoga and Pilates continues. Which is better? That depends on you, and your preference for one over the other. While Yoga is centuries old and allows for a variation of poses, Pilates is much newer to the fitness scene, was designed as a form or rehabilitation and strengthening, and was made popular by dancers.In both Yoga and Pilates you can and will gain strength and flexibility but the difference comes in how that is achieved. Pilates enthusiasts will generally receive a total body workout but focus on aligning the spine and strengthening the core. Yoga goers will in turn workout every muscle in the body equally. Each posture is accompanied by a counter posture to ensure balance is created in the body. If you are interested you can read about more of the differences here and pick your poison.
EAT BEFORE OR AFTER?
Both, says Dr. Nancy Cohen, who is head of the department of nutrition at the University of Massachusetts. She recommends eating a meal high in carbs and protein and low in fat 3 to 4 hours before exercise as carbs supply the body with the glycogen it needs for your workout. Skimp on carbs, and your muscles won't perform when you need them to. Don't just focus on food, make sure your body gets enough water both before, during, and after your workout.
HIT THE GYM OR THE GREAT OUTDOORS?
While making the trek to the gym has perks for some, such as the motivation of others around them, the use of a trainer, convenience, more equipment, and safety, many experts say that by taking your workouts to the great outdoors you are more likely to stick with a long term fitness program and receive more benefits to your mental health as well.
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