Stage 1 can take a lot of focus even though it’s relatively simple once you have the pattern down. Stages 2 and 3 take a little more planning and concentration.A client once remarked to me, “I don’t know what I’ll think about once I’m done thinking about my weight loss, I don’t know what I’ll put my time into.” My response to that was- exercise! He didn’t like that response because he wasn’t an exerciser, but it was a hard truth. We’re all aging, we’re all going to lose muscle mass, so we all need to focus on what we can do to maintain our muscle mass as we age. We don’t need to become bodybuilders; studies have shown that exercise as few as 2-3 times per week makes a significant difference. But, as you near the end of your Stage 1 program, it’s a good idea to start thinking about creating an exercise routine that you can live with.
When do most adults gain weight?
Experts tell us most weight gain occurs between the ages of 25 and 35. Do you know when most adults lose weight? Most weight loss occurs between the ages of 55 and 65. The interesting fact here is that most of the weight gain in the 25 to 35 decade is likely to be in the form of fat. Why? Likely the decrease in physical activity from less involvement in sports and the increased consumption of calorie-rich foods. However, the weight lost between 55 and 65 (an average of 5 lbs) is likely to be muscle mass. This loss is also due to a decrease in physical activity.
What does this tell us? Physical activity is vital in all stages of life! The younger person needs to be active to prevent the unnecessary gain of body fat. The older person needs to be active to prevent the unnecessary loss of muscle tissue.
Still on Stage 1 and ready to exercise? Ask your coach about Shift Fit!
Did you know?
Research shows that 1 pound of muscle burns 7 to 10 calories per day, while 1 pound of fat burns only 2 to 3 calories, according to the American Council on Exercise.