Pregnancy and Fitness
Body Shape
Stretching/Flexibility
Injuries/Rehab
Sports & Activities
Strengthening and Toning
Cardiovascular
From party frocks to invites and Christmas cocktails, we've got everything you need to throw a fabulous party
Is shaping up hard to do?
Shape Up Challenge nutritionist Dr Wynnie Chan answers your questions about diet, weight loss and exercise
The best time to exercise
We all know that exercise is essential for weight loss but what is the best time to workout to get the maximum effect?
Dr Wynnie Chan: It depends on what your goals are. If you're aiming to lose fat, then the best time to exercise (aerobic) is first thing in the morning, before you have breakfast. That's when your insulin levels are at their lowest and the hormone glucagon is at its highest.
This signals the body to start moving fat from the fat cells to our working muscles, although you won't burn more calories this way, the calories you burn will come from fat. If you're training to improve your performance then it is better to eat something 3-4 hours before you exercise.
In reality, the best time to exercise is the time that will best fit into your schedule so you can do it consistently.
Weight training
I am starting a new fitness plan and will incorporate three weekly weight training sessions alongside daily cardio. I understand that muscle weighs more than fat and I do have a concern that weight training will make me look like a body builder, which I don't want. I want to be strong and I'm prepared to work for that. What are your thoughts?
Dr Wynnie Chan: I love your attitude towards your quest for a healthier, fitter you and I agree wholeheartedly that it's important to focus on being physically active and keeping within the healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) range.
It is important to focus on cardio and aerobic exercises and weight training for weight loss as increasing lean body mass means increasing our metabolic rate and therefore increasing fat loss. I think incorporating weight training three times a week into your exercise regime isn't excessive and will help build definition to your muscles, but not to the extent of a body builder's.
So carry on with the good work and don't forget to look at the Shape Up Challenge diet pages for more tips.
1 | 2 | next
printer friendly
send to a friend
Delicious
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Horoscopes| Message Boards | Quizzes | Newsletters | Join
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB
