Movement For Fatloss

There are a number of ways I move for increased fatloss. Remember, no one method is best, but specificity is the key to faster results. Let's review from earlier posts and define a few terms.

Specificity - the quality of being specific rather than general.

This one is pretty obvious. If I want to be a better 400m sprinter do you think it would serve me better to.

A) run 5 miles, 3X/week
B) run 400m as often as it tests well

If you chose A, please contact me. Sadly this
logic exists in our exercise world. I have been guilty of it myself, but have gotten better.

Sometimes it doesn't seem quite as obvious. Let me give you an example from an aesthetic (looks) perspective.

Johnny wants six pack abs for the summer. The problem is, he likes to drink six packs often. He thinks that by doing tons of crunches he will get to his result but soon finds that his six pack is now a keg! Technically he was specific, but could he have been better served to do other movements? Probably. Could he have been better served to change his diet? Probably.

Okay. But what if I don't like doing 'gym' movements or sprints? Can I still lose fat?

BE AS SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE DOING MOVEMENTS THAT TEST WELL AND THAT YOU ENJOY 

Enjoyment - the pleasure felt when having a good time

It really is that simple. If you want to burn fat but do not like doing extremely effective fat loss, quick movement exercises like 'The Burpee' then it's most likely not sustainable. However, if you like to play tennis and know what elements promote fatloss (more on this later), then go for it.

Here is just ONE example of what I like to do for fatloss. It just so happens one of my goals is to be a better climber too!

I love to climb. I avoid the Elements of Effort and work within my limits. I will do other gym workouts as well, but right now this serves the purpose of two goals. Could I potentially lose more fat doing other movements? maybe, but I have to want to do them in the first place.

What are some other effects of doing movements that test well and that you enjoy? Let's take a look at what I call the 'holistic effect'.

Everything effects everything, right?

Scenario 1; Goal Fatloss

-I test climbing for my workout and it tests well
-I perform my workout and work within the Elements of Effort
-All is good and I am now feeling great! I even set a new PR!
-I go home and have a killer lunch specific to what my body needs
-I have a few great sessions with clients who really feed off my energy
-I go home and spend a wonderful evening with my wife enjoying a nice dinner and glass of wine
-I go to bed and sleep wonderfully

Sounds nice, right?

Scenario 2: Goal Fatloss

-I 'SHOULD' do my squats, lunges, burpees, push presses (because that is best for my goal, right?)
-It really doesn't test well, but I push through anyway
-I feel a slight twinge in my shoulder, but I think I can work through it
-I finish my workout and head home.
-I'm in pain and want to feel better, so I decide to eat something that isn't best for my goals
-I go train my clients, and really don't feel good about myself because of what I ate
-My response to them is less than 100% and they leave the session feeling off
-I go back home and get in a fight with my wife because she didn't fold the towels
-I can't go to sleep because my shoulder aches and there's tension in the room.

So which do you think was more effective at losing fat? These scenarios could go a number of ways, but realize that the movement piece is just that... a piece. It can NEVER be the whole puzzle.

Next time you workout, ask yourself these questions.

WHY AM I DOING THIS?
DO I ACTUALLY ENJOY IT?
IS IT SPECIFIC TO MY GOALS?
ARE THERE OTHER MOVEMENT(S) I WOULD RATHER DO?
IS THERE SOMETHING THAT MAY TEST BETTER?

Doing things that are specific and enjoyable is a big piece. Movement is movement and fatloss can be obtained using a number of methods. Don't waste time doing arbitrary things because someone else told you it was best. Your fatloss is now in your hands!

-bJ

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