Focus on Prevention and Shed Pounds

Laren Cavicchio
4 days ago
2 min read

Some quick thoughts...

“Turn fat into lean muscle,” is tag line for fitness and supplement commercials… we all know that one type of cell does not turn into another type of cell, right?

So why does the fitness and diet industry still say this phrase? Why do we still hear and see, “turn your fat into muscle?”

I was a PT for a cheer squad from 2001-2005 and certified fitness professionals weren’t using that phrase back then. We were educating our clients and helping them set reasonable goals.

We were teaching them to appreciate how well their body systems worked when they were health-focused, and proving to them how little effort it really takes to get there using science-backed methods (i.e., exercise and eating for health).

Adipose tissue is part of your anatomy

So, the danger with focusing on “losing fat” is that adipose tissue (fat) is part of your anatomy and necessary. It serves a purpose. However, too much of it does not (we all know this).

Full fat cells (because the number of fat cells may be determined by genetics, but the size of those fat cells can be modified) are a burden to your body.

And as far as pounds on the scale… that’s only one measurement of health.

Focus on cardiovascular health as a first step

👉🏼With the number one cause of death among adults being cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart disease, we should be focusing more on cardiovascular health as a first step.

👉🏼Factors in your fitness level that deserve attention include METS, cardiopulmonary endurance (VO2 max), and muscular endurance.

If your goal is to lose weight, start by being curious about your cardiovascular health (fitness).

An increase in your cardiovascular fitness will result in an increase in circulatory, cardiopulmonary, and muscular system endurance. Your body will run more efficiently.

Dance more, and fuss less about your dancing

If running or walking briskly for one hour does not inspire you, or if you are injured and cannot do either; you do not have to... you can dance.

As the original cast of Grey's Anatomy did... Dance It Out.

When your cardiovascular fitness improves, it will be easier to make adjustments to match your goals over time, and a decrease in weight will occur over time with the right adjustments.