THIS is another in a series of articles intended to expose our readers to pertinent information regarding their fitness efforts. It is produced mainly on the basis of research done by Rodriguez “Rodja” Constantine, who’s a Fitness Consultant, the owner of REPTS (Registered Exercise Professionals & Therapists) and co-producer and host of THE FIT FACTOR on Rhythm Fm.
Give it a Rest: Three Reasons Why That Crazy-Long Workout Is a Bad Idea
Everyone knows them: gym braggers who share the set-by-set details of their daily two- or three-hour sessions with almost anyone who’ll listen. You’re supposed to be impressed with their obvious results. That is, if there are results to see. Recent research tells us that spending more than 45 to 60 minutes working out is not only unproductive, but also potentially harmful.
Specifically, prolonged workouts open the door to three key fitness busters:
Fitness Buster #1: You’ll release excess cortisol. You may know cortisol as the evil belly fat-fueling villain of late-night TV infomercials. That’s not entirely fair. When exercising, your body releases cortisol as its reaction to the inherent stress of exercise. However, in low quantities, cortisol increases blood glucose levels and immune functions, while actually aiding metabolism. But when there’s too much cortisol released, these benefits reverse. Additionally, it can disrupt muscle-tissue creation and repair, while aiding fat storage.
Fitness Buster #2: You’re increasing the likelihood of neuromuscular burnout. Prolonged strength-training workouts are fine on occasion. But a regimen of two- or three-hour workouts can stress your muscles and nervous system to excess and increase required recovery time. If you don’t allow adequate resting time between workouts, you’re less likely to advance your goals. Think of it this way: Pro sports teams have days off and the off-season for a reason.
Fitness Buster #3: Socializing in between sets? For some, spending more time at the gym means more opportunities to build a social life — at the expense of progressing fitness goals. The same is true when working out at home — focus on your workout, not on doing chores or text messaging during your workout time.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that most adults engage in moderate-intensity cardiorespiratory exercise training for about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. A full-body workout, like the ones you’ll find in FitnessBuilder, contains eight to ten exercises. Each exercise typically calls for three sets of ten reps, with 45 to 60 seconds of rest between sets. To do these correctly and in line with the intensity instructions, you’ll need about 45 minutes to an hour. This leaves you with very little time to waste.
So when the gym braggers shift into high gear, tell them you’ve got it down to 30 – 45 mins with REPTS. And if you’re doing it right, they’ll see the benefits of your timesaving ways.
Keeping on your fitness game–with or without a personal trainer– is easier than ever with Repts4Life workouts. here’s a fitness programme to help you shed unwanted pounds, trim excess body fat, and sculpt a lean body. Personalized programs are also available for a nominal fee. In the mean time, take advantage of our ongoing special:
GET FREE GYM ACCESS PLUS 20% OFF YOUR MONTHLY PERSONAL TRAINING FEES when you Sign-up for any fast track group personal training package within 1 week of liking and sharing our face book page/cover photo/videos etc at facebook.com/repts.fitness. Each package comes with a FREE diet. Renew on time EACH MONTH and keep getting that discount plus free FREE gym membership. PACKAGES START AT $150. Returning clients pay NO REGISTRATION. Gift Certificates & FREE Trial Sessions are available! For more info call 722-3763.
REPTS ( Registered Exercise Professionals & Therapists) is a Personal Training Gym with locations in both Castries (upstairs Kaycees on Brazil Street opposite the Square) and Rodney Bay (opposite RJ Clarke). REPTS offers all inclusive upgradeable fitness packages (Personal and small Group Training, Body Analysis, Nutrition Counselling and Planning, FREE Gym Membership, Classes and etc.) for one affordable monthly fee. Rodja also designs long term fitness plans and short term workout routines for use at home, your current gym, or when travelling. Skype Training is also available for those who live abroad or travel too frequently to maintain a consistent training programme at home. Call 758-722-3763 for details and to schedule a FREE consultation and trial session. You can also visit repts online at reptsfitness.com or on facebook at facebook.com/repts.fitness.