When it comes to losing weight, people often think in terms of going on a diet or taking a fitness class. While these are certainly necessary measures, there is another option that you might not have considered.
Many people feel stuck in a rut, going from one extreme to the other, trying to lose weight but never feeling that they’ve hit the ‘perfect’ weight. If this sounds like you, you might be interested in exploring the world of functional training, also known as strength training with an emphasis on performing activities of daily living (ADLs).
The basic idea behind functional training is to focus on developing strength in the body as a whole, rather than just targeting certain areas such as the waistline. When you consistently perform ADLs, your body will be in an effective state of adaptation, and you’ll see improvements in both your strength and your fitness. Additionally, you’ll have the psychological boost of knowing that you’re doing your body some favour.
If you want to lose weight faster, why not give functional training a try? Here are just a few reasons why it might be the right fit for you.
More Effective In Getting Results
While most people think about losing weight when they’re on a diet, it’s actually better to view weight loss as a journey. Just because you’re not on a diet doesn’t mean you have to perform cardio or go to the gym. In fact, a lot of the weight you lose while not on a diet will be water, which can be a painful process. This is why most people who try to lose weight don’t succeed — they give up before they’ve even gotten started.
If you want to lose weight effectively, functional training is a good option. When you combine strength training with cardio, you’ll get the best of both worlds: effective weight loss while feeling good about yourself.
Strengthening Your Body In The Right Way
When you strength train, you’re actually building up your body in a way that is most effective for moving the weight you’ll be lifting. Let’s say you want to lose some weight, but you hate working out, or you never learned how to properly strengthen your body. While there are certainly programs that can help you learn effective lifting techniques, a good workout program will focus on strengthening the muscles in your body that are necessary for moving the weight you’ll be working with. This will give you the best chance of seeing effective results, regardless of your previous experience.
If you want to lose weight, consider trying a new sport or activity, but if you want to truly improve your health, consider strength training.
No Damage To Your Heart
When you strength train, your heart is not necessarily working at full capacity, so there is no need to be afraid of damage. You have a natural defense against such damage: your heart muscles. When you exercise, your heart will begin to adapt and change, making it stronger and more protective of your body. In addition to this, you have the option of using weights or your own bodyweight for the bulk of the workout, so there is rarely any need to be afraid of over-exertion when you strength train.
If you want to lose weight, consider trying a new sport or activity that you’ve never tried before, or consider strength training as a part of your program. Not only will this be effective for losing weight, but it will also boost your overall health and wellbeing.
Weight Loss Is A Journey
It’s important to understand that weight loss is a journey, not a destination. Just because you’ve reached your goal weight does not mean that you’re finished improving your health and fitness. In fact, you might still have a long way to go, both physically and psychologically, before you can be called ‘fit’.
If you want to truly lose weight and improve your health, consider continuing on with your journey, learning new ways to strengthen your body, and remembering that fitness is a state of mind as much as it is a state of body. Beat the stress, stay motivated, and continue on your road to better health.
Whether you’ve been sedentary for most of your life or have recently switched to a more active lifestyle, this is a golden opportunity to set a new tone for your health and wellbeing. If you want to lose weight and get fit, consider reaching out to a health coach or therapist, as well as your personal trainer, to set you on the right path to success.