Cardio and “skinny fat” syndrome
Avoid the “skinny fat” syndrome
One more reason, you need to focus on strength training to lose the jiggle in your middle. The danger of focusing on cardio or aerobic exercise to the exclusion of strength training is becoming what is known as “skinny fat.” Skinny fat is a condition in which a person appears thin on the outside, but inside they are unhealthy and at risk for illness. One of the largest populations that stereotypically fall under this category are models, especially from the late 80’s and 90’s.
This is the real danger and I see it a lot. If you are losing weight through diet and exercise, but not simultaneously doing strength training, you are not only losing fat (GOOD thing): you are losing muscle as well (extremely BAD thing). Here’s the thing, without strength training, your body will use your muscle and your fat as fuel! In short, you will go from 150 pounds and 25% percent body fat to 125 pounds and 25% percent body fat…who wants that? The worst part is as you lose muscle, you lose a major source of energy (feeling strong and able to tackle the daily activities of life), and you lose tone and definition : (.
Worse yet, assuming you are a forward thing, as you lose muscle, your bones become weak, because they do not have to do as much work. Weak bones are a precursor to the dreaded osteoporosis.
Case Study
Hidden fat is also a risk for the “skinny fat” person.
When 800 slim people underwent an MRI scan to check for visceral or hidden fat, 45% were found to have excessive amounts of internal fat, undetectable from the outside. Visceral fat is the most dangerous fat to have, because it accumulates around organs such as the pancreas, heart and liver and then begins releasing hormones and other secretions that lead to disease.
Good news! Strength training can reduce visceral fat and help prevent the additional formation around the organs. There is HOPE, Don’t give up your strength training just because spring is here and you are eager to get outside. There is no substitute for lifting challenging weights 2 to 3 times each week. Your well-being is at stake!
If you want a free strength training program, contact me. I would love to help you lose the jiggle in your middle.
Now go and be awesome!
1http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/food_coach&id=6912002″>1http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/food_coach&id=6912002
[one_second]
Schedule your Free Training Session
[gravityform id=”2″ title=”false” description=”true”]
[/one_second]
