Recurring Fitness Questions

by Jessica Watters

Hi everyone!

Over the years as a fitness professional and also recently from my Team Beachbody members, there have been a few recurring questions that I have been getting from different people. So I guessed that if so many people keep asking me the same questions, it might be a good idea to post some of them and the solutions that may help.

Question #1 - I’m exercising, but not seeing results, why?

My Answer

• The intensity that you are exercising at might need to be cranked up.
• You may have reached a plateau, your body might need to be challenged with a new workout routine and keep being challenged to avoid another plateau.
• You may need to look at your caloric intake needs and what you are eating.

 Question #2 - I’m watching what I’m eating and exercising, but slow results, why?

 My Answer

• You may be taking in too little calories or still too many. Some people think if its healthy its okay to eat a lot of it. They don’t watch their portions. Or some go the opposite way and take in too few calories to support muscle growth. Having more muscle increases your metabolic rate, which helps burn calories faster. Check what your caloric intake needs are for the amount of activity that you participate in. And check it often. The older you get, the number changes.
• You may not be getting enough sleep. Studies show that people who do not get at least 7 hours of sleep per day, are more likely to hold onto extra fat around the middle.
• Genetics play a role in how and where people carry extra fat. And women tend to lose weight at a slower rate than men due to the lower muscle mass they have compared to men. So ladies, using weights is essential if you want to see improved results.

 Question #3 - Will I get bulky like a guy if I use weights? I want to lose weight not bulk up.

 My Answer

• No, the majority of women will not get big, bulky muscles like a man. Hormones have a lot to do with how much muscle mass you will gain by working out with weights.
• Building up your upper body is the best way to make the lower body look slimmer.
• Building muscle will give you a leaner, appearance.
• Women need to workout with weights or do resistance training to help build up bone density. This will help you later in life with bone density issues.
• And again, the more muscle mass you have the easier it is to shed fat.
• Just sticking to a cardio only plan will get you thin, but thin and still possibly flabby. Adding a few days a week of resistance training will greatly improve how you look.

As a fitness professional and Team Beachbody Coach, I can answer more of your questions and help you get on track with a plan that works.

Team Beachbody offers a wide variety of workout programs designed to keep you from getting bored and reaching a plateau. Most come with nutrition tools as well which can take the guess work out of how and what to eat to properly feed your body. 

Getting into better shape isn’t always easy, and sometimes you need a little help from someone who can point you in the right direction and offer support. If you think you need help, please don’t hesitate to email me at wattersjes@msn.com or visit my Team Beachbody profile page at http://teambeachbody.com/fitwithjessica.

You can sign up for free membership and help through my profile page.

Have a great day!