(SPONSORED STORY) - A Certified Fitness Trainer Answers 3 Top Fitness Questions
Chad Ortego, trainer at Planet Fitness, says these are some of the top questions he tends to get asked; but if you have any other fitness questions, talk to a certified trainer at Planet Fitness where training is always free and included with your membership. At only $10 a month, they’re now up to 7 convenient locations in Knoxville, all of which are open & staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
1: I do a lot of strength training, should I add cardio workouts to my routine too?
Cardiovascular exercise should definitely have a role in your workouts. After all, your heart is the most important muscle you have! Adults should strive for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity spread out over a week’s time. Some exercises include biking (slow or fast depending on intensity level), running/jogging, or jumping rope. If you're able to get more than 150 minutes in, it’s even better. So cardio is very important, but in the same way, it’s good to have balance. Cross training is a great way to accomplish some balance in your workout regimen because it can actually help you in your cardio workouts, since you’re conditioning the entire body and adding flexibility to your workouts. To begin, just find a couple different things you like doing and rotate them at varying intensity levels. That might mean hopping on a stationary bike, taking a yoga class, doing some circuit training - even golfing or tennis. Do whatever makes you excited to exercise and keeps you active. You can’t go wrong with that!
2: I’m always in a rush. Is stretching after workouts really necessary?
Start making some time in your schedule because the answer is yes! Places like Planet Fitness have a whole area dedicated to stretching because it is THAT important! In fact, it’s just as important as the strength or cardio components of your workout. Stretching offers numerous benefits including injury prevention, improved blood flow, less muscle soreness, and even reduced stress. Those are some impressive results for just 5-10 minutes of your time.
3: Whenever I start a new exercise program, I seem to gain a little weight. Am I doing something wrong if my workout goal is weight loss?
This is more common than you may think. If you haven’t been very active, and suddenly start exercising, your body has to respond to that change. The way this usually happens is by your muscles increasing in size and storing extra water. That can make the scale go up a bit. Also, your body may store extra sugar in the muscles which can add water too. Good news: This water weight is usually temporary. As your body adjusts, the number on the scale often comes down. However, if you’re still feeling discouraged in the meantime, try putting that scale in the closet for a while!