Lottsa Questions
Is there *any* difference in how exercise is divided up? Example, a treadmill. Does it matter if one does 30 minutes x3 daily vs. 1.5 hours once daily? Burning fat: This doesn't really matter one way or another but someone was talking about this and it got my curiosity up. I was recently told that one burns fat from the inside out. Meaning, the fat closest to the spine is burned first. Like I said, it doesn't really matter but I thought that was interesting and was wanting to know if anyone has more details on how, where, and why fat is burned first. Pounds vs. inches: Why is it that one week I lose pounds and the next week I lose inches? Is it fat redistribution? How does that work? Scales: The scales that claim to be able to tell you water vs. fat weight. Are those for real? Do they actually hold value? Extra stupid question: If I spend most of my time on a treadmill does that mean fat on my legs and butt will go first or does it come from everywhere? Thx
*** Hi there. Just wanted to say before I put my 2 cents in about these questions...it’s just my opinion and I’m more a practical type person. There are a million studies out about why something doesn’t work, but people prove the studies wrong every day in the gym. I want to know what works in real life, not what works on a lab mouse.
Is there *any* difference in how exercise is divided up? Example, a treadmill. Does it matter if one does 30 minutes x3 daily vs. 1.5 hours once daily?
*** I’m not the cardio guru but I like to split up my training in general. I think you’ll find you can do 3x30 min treadmill workouts with more intensity (faster pace or higher incline) than you can 1 long 1.5 hour treadmill workout. That applies to resistance training too. Read Jeremy’s article on cardio exercise for more info on intensity levels. Personally, I like to do my weight training in one training session and my cardio a few hours later or on a separate day. When track season starts I’ve been known to do 3 or 4 training sessions in a day like cardio in am, then throw a few hours later, then lift at lunch and maybe more cardio at night after work. Just seems to make it more efficient for me, but I have access to many different gyms.
Burning fat: This doesn't really matter one way or another but someone was talking about this and it got my curiosity up. I was recently told that one burns fat from the inside out. Meaning, the fat closest to the spine is burned first. Like I said, it doesn't really matter but I thought that was interesting and was wanting to know if anyone has more details on how, where, and why fat is burned first.
*** Don’t know, don’t care.
Pounds vs. inches: Why is it that one week I lose pounds and the next week I lose inches? Is it fat redistribution? How does that work?
*** If you’re losing inches off your waist, whether or not you’re losing pounds, it’s a good thing. It usually means you’re gaining lean muscle mass and losing fat, so the scales don’t move. As far as I know, I have never read why, but muscle gains and fat loss too will come in surges. You won’t lose anything for 2 weeks then wake up one morning 5 pounds lighter. Same for strength, you bench the same thing for weeks or months then 1 day you bench 30 pounds more than ever before. Key is to stay consistent and keep plugging away even when it appears you’re not improving.
Scales: The scales that claim to be able to tell you water vs. fat weight. Are those for real? Do they actually hold value?
*** Not really. Any body fat percentage testing is good mainly as a comparison, where you started vs. what you are when tested again. If you go get 5 different testing methods (Bioelectrical Impedance, Skinfold Measurements, Hydrostatic Weighing Tanks, Air Displacement (Bod Pod), X-Ray) done the same day, you’ll get 5 different results. If a $ 45,000.00 Bod Pod can’t give you a 100% accurate reading, I don’t think a $ 100.00 scale will do that much better. But the scale might be good for comparing your progress.
Extra stupid question: If I spend most of my time on a treadmill does that mean fat on my legs and butt will go first or does it come from everywhere?
*** It comes from everywhere. It’s never been proven that spot reducing works. But you never know until you try. But everyone holds their fat in different areas, so you might lose more in one area over another. Thx
Hey ifellicantgetup! I want to know about all those things too AND:
What makes circuit training circuit training? Is it the no rest period between exercises or mixing cardio with weights? I've been doing a cardio warmup for 15-20 minutes, then lots of light weights with lots of reps and no resting between (not that I feel like I need it). It's been feeling REALLY good to me and the way I've finally made friends with the gym. When I go home, I am just the slightest bit sore, but never so sore that it impairs my life or makes me really uncomfortable. I've been kind of gauging my workout by this post work out feeling... does this sound okay?
*** Circuit training is generally just going from one exercise to the next non stop or with very little rest to keep your heart rate up. It doesn’t necessarily have to be with weights. I do a conditioning circuit like Lizzy posted on here a couple of times a week. I got the idea from a University coach. He just takes 10 or 15 exercises, usually something that covers your entire body by the time you go through the circuit and does as many reps as possible in 1 to 2 minutes then goes to the next exercise. Teams like them because you can spread out the group and get a lot done in very short period of time. It’s meant as a good way to get your cardio and weight training in at the same time. If you’re just looking for general fitness and short on time…circuit training is the way to go. I remember doing circuits back in the early 1970’s for football. It’s been around forever and it works.
How much water are you supposed to get and does that go up significantly when you workout?
*** I’ve read 64 to 128 oz a day. But yes, you should drink more if you working out. I’m sucking down water all day, at least a gallon every day…at least.
What is the best way to tackle 'problem areas?' I need to loose overall fat, but I'd like to work on certain areas more than others as I loose; is this a smart and/or feasable thing to do?
*** You’ll never know until you try. In theory there’s no such thing as spot reducing, but practically…I’ve seen it done.
Why do protein after a workout? Do clif bars count as carbs or protein? Are there any bars anyone here can recommend? (I do like the clif bars as breakfast... my before workout 'meal')
*** You should do protein all the time. Carbs are good before and after a workout though. Protein helps repair the damage you do to your body while working out. You’re actually tearing yourself down while working out. You grow while you rest and recover between workouts. Protein helps your recover faster. Look up Nutrient Timing at the library or online. It’s not for everyone but appears to work wonders. The food you eat today is the fuel for “tomorrow’s” workout. It takes awhile for your body to absorb the nutrients from the food you eat, but you can spike the absorption at certain times.
Thanks to anyone who has thoughts on this!
