Cardio Vs Resistance Training For Weight Loss

I've been asked many times whether cardio training is better than resistance training for weight loss.

Cardio training potentially burns a higher amount of calories when compared to resistance training. When the cardio training session is finished, your metabolism remains elevated for around 24 hours after training. Alternatively, resistance training has the potential to gradually and progressively increase muscle mass and therefore increase basal metabolic rate (the calories required by your body to maintain basic operations throughout the day and night). This is like putting a bigger engine in a car and as a result, more petrol is needed to run it.

Therefore, to lose fat relatively quickly, cardio training is good for the high calorie consumption. However, to keep the fat off in the long term, resistance training and an increase in muscle mass is required. But don't forget the importance of nutritional and lifestyle factors.

So, if the aim is to increase calorie utilisation, lose body fat and keep the fat off, incorporate both cardio training and resistance training into your program.

ZZZZ

When we don't get enough sleep our brains turn to autopilot and our muscles turn to jelly. Sleep deprivation can result in decreased performance - both cognitive and physical - and diminished emotional stability. Our bodies need sleep as a relief from the physical and mental demands we place upon ourselves every day when we're awake. To help you sleep properly:

• Establish a regular time for sleeping to develop a bedtime ritual to tell your body and mind that it's time to rest.

• Avoid heavy meals in the evening.

• Avoid caffeine after 4pm.

• Don't exercise immediately before sleep time.

• Avoid too much alcohol before bed. One standard drink may help you sleep but any more can have a detrimental effect.

Group Kayaking

In January, we had a group of nine on our first kayaking day. The weather was perfect and by all accounts, everyone had a great time kayaking from The Spit to Balmoral Beach and back (about 5.5 kms in total).

Kayaking is a good way to compliment your training with something a bit different. It's fun so it's not really "exercising" and you also get to see parts of Sydney from a different perspective.

If there are enough people interested, the group kayak days will be held on the last Sunday of each month (10am to 12pm)...yes, even winter.

Nothing contained in this newsletter is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.