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).
HAVE YOU BEEN CAUGHT IN THE “SWEAT THE WEIGHT OFF TRAP”
Most every gym has one—the man or woman working out in what looks like a giant piece of aluminum foil, or maybe just a full sweat suit. Sometimes, they’re even wearing all of this in the sauna or steam room.
The truth is that you will, albeit briefly, lose a few pounds with such a stunt. However, what you’ll be losing isn’t unwanted fat; it’s much-needed water. The weight will come back once your body rehydrates. For example, wrestlers who need to make their weight class before a weigh-in may go sweat it out. But the pounds will come back soon after the match is over, and they’re throwing back Red Bulls and egg-white omelets.
Why Does This Bad Idea Persist?
So if this is such an amazingly ill informed concept, why do people still believe it? The reason, in part, is the logical error of mistaking correlation with causation. For example, if you’re working out regularly, you’re burning calories–and likely sweating, too. It’s easy to think that this sweating causes any subsequent weight loss. However you’re sweating as the result of your rigorous exercise–the actual activity that contributes to any weight loss.
Caution Sweat Heads: Danger Ahead
Okay, so now that we’ve determined that the idea of sweating off weight for good is an old wives’ tale, you should know why it’s also dangerous. A recent advisory for athletes, published by the New York Department of State, highlights the risks of using sweat and dehydration as weight-loss tools:
• Overheating
• Impaired kidney function
• Mood swings and other mental impairment
• Vision trouble
• Heightened risk of brain damage
The takeaway: Sweating out five or ten pounds for good in two or three days is a foolish proposition. Want to lose weight for real? Put away the spacesuit and plan a program of steady, manageable exercise and balanced, reduced-calorie meals. And it can never hurt to consult your doctor or a certified nutritionist before starting any weight-loss program.
Keeping on your fitness game–with or without a personal trainer– is easier than ever with Repts4Life workouts. here’s a fitness program to help you shed unwanted pounds, trim excess body fat, and sculpt a lean body. Personalized programs are also available for a nominal fee.
REPTS ( Registered Exercise Professionals & Therapists) is a Personal Training Gym with location Rodney Bay (opposite RJ Clarke). REPTS offers all inclusive upgradeable fitness packages (Personal and small Group Training, Body Analysis, Nutrition Counseling 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 traveling. Skype Training is also available for those who live abroad or travel too frequently to maintain a consistent training program 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.