Running, pedaling, sweating … For several years, cardio has become the number one reflex of those who want to lose weight. But this habit, as popular as it may be, could well play against its practitioners.
An expert in nutrition and alert metabolism: a very widespread error in lovers of endurance activities could slow down – or even reverse – their efforts. Indeed, from the gym to the urban running groups, everyone seems convinced that sweating for 45 minutes is the best way to achieve their slimming goals. In the idea, the equation seems logical: the more you move, the more you burnt. And yet, in the long term, some people who only stick to this strategy end up seeing that their weight no longer decreases, or even rises slowly. A phenomenon that Professor Franklin Joseph, specialist at the Dr. Frank’s weight loss clinic, explains very clearly.
It evokes a general tendency to follow rapid solutions. “People are often attracted to fashionable health habits because they promise quick results”, he said. The problem ? These appearance, seemingly motivating approaches do not adapt to the realities of the human body. They rarely operate over the long term, especially when they do not integrate into a stable lifestyle.
And in this vast field of false good ideas, some errors have a hard life, such as removing meals, thinking better to control your hunger. According to the professor, “Jumping meals leads to eat too much later in the day and disrupts your metabolism”. He insists that this type of restriction is perceived by the body as a situation of lack, which pushes it to store more, instead of drawing on the reserves.
Another trap: dietetic drinks. Sold as light alternatives to classic sodas, they actually contain sweeteners who deceive the brain. Same thing for so -called “healthy” snacks such as cereal bars or vegetable crisps, which often contain high levels of sugar, salt and fat, while keeping a healthy image.
Finally, many forget that a physical activity is not just burning calories. It also has an impact on hormones, recovery, body composition. And this is precisely where the balance must be revised. Because what is missing from the vast majority of cardio followers is no more endurance, it is bodybuilding. As the specialist recalls, “An excess of cardio can increase cortisol levels, which causes fat storage, especially in size.” It is therefore imperative to alternate practice with muscle strengthening.
In addition, the more muscles, the higher the basic metabolism, which means that the body naturally spends more energy at rest. You will understand, it is this mechanism, and not the simple fact of sweating, which promotes effective and durable weight loss.
