Welcome to my first Ask me anything Health & Fitness Addition. I am so excited to bring this new series to my blog as well as to my Instagram! =)
The following are totally anonymous questions that you’ve submitted, and I’m providing my thoughts and advice. I received some amazing questions, and because I plan to post this series regularly, not all have been included. If you have a question that you’d like advice on in the next Q & A, please submit it here.
On Instagram last week I asked my followers what their Health and Fitness questions were. I answered them in my stories with a quick answer. I thought it would be fun to continue the Q & A in a bit more detail!
Now to the Q & A …
What’s your favorite kind of workout?
My favorite kind of workout is Strength Training! Don’t be afraid of lifting weights! I absolutely love BODYPUMP! I started to do this workout at the gym and absolutely fell in love with this workout. Now I get to do it right at home! It’s a full-body workout using small weights with high reps. I also love yoga, BODYCOMBAT, and LES MILLS CORE.
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What are some ideas to still get some movement but can’t workout due to sick or injury?
You definitely want to listen to your body and not overdo it. If you have a minor cold I suggest going slowing and bringing down the intensity. Often, you will feel better with small exercise and it can also boost your immune system. If you are used to working out frequently you might actually feel better with exercise rather than stopping. You know your body best, so just don’t push it. If you have a fever or the flu I would skip your workout altogether until you are well.
Try going for a nice walk around the neighborhood or a yoga session. This isn’t the time for a marathon!
With an injury, you definitely need to listen to your body and not overdo it! Until you are fully healed, don’t do any activity that could trigger the injury. And avoid any activity that puts strain on the injured area. You can still be active as long as you don’t stress the injury. Staying active may help you heal quicker than if you just lay on the couch.
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What got you into fitness?
I have always loved working out and wanted to do something that was flexible so I could be home with my kids and still bring in some money for the family. I joined a StrollerFit Class and fell in love with this type of workout. It was actually another Mom in the workout group that suggested I get certified and become a trainer! I did have an opportunity lined up as soon as I became certified training but it fell through shortly before completing my certification. I did come across another opportunity to teach a StrollerFit class several years ago and interviewed for the job. My kids were 11yrs and 8yrs old at that time and the interviewer sent me an email by accident meaning to send it to her boss saying “She’s a mom, but her kids are a bit too old!”. haha So that didn’t workout out but that was okay I was doing one on one training as well as teaching a group fitness class. I have now moved my business 100 % online.
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Do you offer meal plans?
I have in the past offered custom online nutrition coaching. I have been thinking about bringing it back. Click here to join the waitlist and be the first to know when I’m launching my new program!! Coming VERY SOON!! Yay! Thanks for the inspiration to start this backup!! =)
I am currently doing a Meal Planning Sunday Each Sunday (well most Sundays) I post healthy and EASY meals that will get us all in and out of that kitchen as quickly as possible. As a busy Mom of two, I want to make these plans as kid-friendly as possible! If you are on my email list I will be emailing you as well to let you know the new menu is up! You can sign up for free here.
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Best workouts for weight loss?
Strength training is the best for weight loss. Don’t be afraid of lifting weights! When you build muscle, you increase the amount of lean tissue on your body. A body with more lean muscle mass burns more calories — long after your workout is over. This is also known as the “after-burn effect” Strength training exercises you will lose weight more effectively.
Don’t spend hours on the treadmill! Cardio can also help with weight loss but you will also decrease your muscle mass leading to weaker muscles. I’m not saying you should never do cardio just make sure you are balancing it out with strength training.
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How much water do you need to drink?
Drinking enough water can totally be challenging! You want to drink half your body weight in ounces each day. I know this can be challenging try adding a couple of drops of lemon or lime in your water or even add some fresh fruit!
Example: 150lbs/2 = 75oz of water per day.
One trick that has really helped me is getting a nice insolated water bottle that I fill up and drink throughout the day. I take it everywhere with me too! At bedtime, I fill it up and leave it by my bed. Then first thing in the morning I start drinking my water. I like my insulated water bottle so I have nice cold water to drink in the morning. I try and finish it before I have my morning coffee.
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What is the best routine of workout to stay healthy?
The best workout routine is the one you actually do! It is important to find something that you like to do this will make it easier to keep on track and it won’t seem like such a chore. I suggest trying several types of workouts to find one that works best for you.
Cardio then strength or Strength then cardio?
Strength then cardio you want to be at your best while lifting weights. You want to be at your best and have good form while doing a strength training workout. Keeping cardio second also allows you to really go all out with your strength training routine— Lifting weights involves short bursts of extreme effort, and requires that your muscles use an energy source other than oxygen to perform the exercise. Depending on your fitness level, your muscles and heart can only handle a set amount of anaerobic training before becoming tired. If you go all-out in a cardio workout, you won’t have as much energy left to build strength. Especially if your goal is to loose weight, hitting the weights first is your best choice.
Keep in mind, if you doing a long cardio session before lifting weights may slightly delay your recovery time.
And that concludes my first edition of the Q & A!
HOW TO GET YOUR QUESTION ANSWERED IN THE NEXT Q & A
If you want some help with something you’re thinking of or dealing with for our next Q & A , please submit your question here. I’m not collecting your email or name, so you will be totally anonymous. Thank you so much for contributing!
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Hi!! I’m Kristin McConnell, I am so glad you are here! I am a wife to my amazing husband and a Mom of two fabulous kids.
