We’ve had a reader question come in on the subject of weight loss. Let’s take a look:
So…… I am used to going to the gym Mon - Fri in the morning before work where I do 20mins cross trainer (aim to burn 200 kcals) then 200 sit ups then a cool down. Now Im going on holiday in less than 2 weeks and really want to see a difference before I go so I am going to do the gym session in the morning and then a swim session for 45 minutes after work in the evening. Obviously my diet will be perfect (Im on WeightWatchers so it is healthy). Should this make a difference within the fortnight? and am I at risk of over doing it or should this be ok for a healthy 26 yr old?
Please let me know what you think
Many thanks
I’m around 120kg (quite a bit of fat, sadly) and I can burn around 170-175 calories in *10* minutes by going fairly vigorously; it sounds like you’re doing the cross-trainer at a somewhat more leisurely pace. Up the speed, get better results. 200 sit-ups a day does nothing except tighten your stomach, it doesn’t zap belly fat (even if you don’t have any) and I’d say you’re pushing your abs quite hard as you’re not giving them a day’s break once in a while. How are your other muscle groups doing? (arms, legs, back, shoulders, chest). The swimming will be good as that’s an all-round go but if you concentrate on other places when you’re giving your abs a rest you can put better muscle elsewhere and then - ta da! - burn more calories. I think every lb of muscle gained burns an extra 50cal a day by *itself*.
Oh, and when you’re on holiday don’t pig out or relax *too* much or it’ll all go to pot. If you can stay fairly active at least 1 or 2 days during it that will help - go for an evening jog/walk with someone around town or in the country, especially if you’re there for sights.
