My Health Training

Firm abs and a flat abdomen are not always the same, contrary to what many people believe. You can have firm abs under a beer-belly, because working out the abdominal muscles does not cause weight loss. But let’s take things step by step! The advantages of muscular firmness are beyond any doubt and they start with the capacity of the body to keep a good posture and the ability of the system to cope with physical resistance demands and effort. The very function of the abdominal muscles is that of protecting the delicate internal organs in the cavity.

Many training formulas are now available for the shaping of the six pack, and it has all happened under the pressure of fashion trends. The truth is that soft muscles provide very little support for the spine and the organs. Yet, there is often the risk of not making any distinctions between programs that support weight loss and programs that aim at body-building. Although the concepts overlap at a certain level, many people fail to to tell them apart.  Weight loss comes with diet and exercise because these two factors are interrelated when it comes to determining how much energy your body consumes.

Fat loss occurs evenly from the entire body and not from a targeted spot alone.   Firm abs can be trained with complex exercises at different workout angles. In terms of calories, they will go away if you train major muscle groups by intense physical activities such as aerobics, rope jumping, swimming, running or cycling. The body responds to stimulation, but it is important to remember that their is a genetic component that will impact the process.

Lean bodies are something certain people are born with, but this is not the case with everybody. The right way to start a fitness program is to show respect for yourself and be honest about your condition. Even when genes are good, things can go bad and firm abs may seem like an impossible dream. People with good metabolism and no predisposition for being overweight, can develop abdominal fat if they are not careful.  Unhealthy food, lack of physical activities and an imbalanced lifestyle are the premises for the loss of physical shape. Only great care and commitment to training will allow one to overcome the obstacle of overweight.

Simple.  Direct.  No mincing of words.

Years ago I was a collegiate level basketball player.  Practice 5 days a week and lots of carb loading prior to each game.  I was also a hundred pounds lighter.  So what has changed?  Not much–which is the problem.  I didn’t change my eating habits, I didn’t change my grocery shopping routine……..BUT my activity level dropped significantly.

Over the years (marriage, kids, divorce, remarriage) I have had phases of regular activity.  But they were short-lived and I didn’t really lose a significant amount.  Often times I had tricked myself into believing I couldn’t lose the weight unless I did the activities of my youth.  The reality is that walking regularly, eating a healthy diet, and just plain staying active will help me reach my goals.

So, won’t you join me in just starting to move again?  Go for a walk.

To your health,

Chris