In my last post I explained that resistance training was ultimately the best type of exercise for weight loss.

What must be realised is that the human body adapts to exercise very quickly. If you keep doing the same exercise programme you will begin to achieve less and less gains and eventually begin to de-train. Therefore it is essential that you change your exercise programme every 4 to 6 weeks.

The exercises, order of exercises, number of repetitions, sets and rest periods are all variables that can be changed. I would strongly advise you to seek the help of a professional when designing an exercise programme. Exercise has drug like effects on the body and I am sure you would not self prescribe drugs.

Exercises_022_2If you are stressed physically, mentally or emotionally, a resistance exercise programme is not ideal as explained in my previous post. In these instances you can use Chi Cultivating exercises like Qi Gong, Tai Chi or Yoga to help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce the overall stress on the body

Cardiovascular (CV) exercise is much over-rated exercise for weight loss. Whilst you do use calories during CV exercise, it is relatively small in comparison to the overall calories used during and after a resistance training session. CV exercise also uses proteins from muscle as a fuel source and therefore reduces metabolic rate.

It has been shown that short-burst high intensity exercise is much more efficient and effective than long steady state CV exercise in reducing body fat. Now go pump some iron and achieve the body you really want!