Want to shed some kilos, but not sure where to start? Looking to shake up your fitness regime? Medshield recently spoke to Calmin Valentino, ultra-marathon runner, multiple Comrades marathon finisher, yoga teacher and group-exercise trainer about weight loss, fat burn and toning up.
While there are no quick and easy sustainable weight-loss methods, there are fitness tips that apply to everyone that can help you lose weight, burn fat and tone up. The key is to set yourself a goal and consistently work towards it.
In terms of exercises to help you lose weight and burn fat, Cape Town-based Calmin recommends doing a combination of weight training and cardio. “It’s good to strike a balance with weights and cardio training to help you lose weight. Cardio reaches a higher point of burning fat than weight training, but weight training elevates your metabolism for longer, even after you’ve finished training. So I advise doing both,” he says.
The training programme that you choose to do should depend on the kind of goal you’re trying to achieve with your body. “If you want a more muscular physique and just want to burn fat, then weight training is good at that. If you’re looking to build a lean, skinny body, then cardio is the best option as it burns fat and muscle,” says Calmin.
When including both into your exercise programme, Calmin recommends doing cardio in the morning, weight training in the afternoon and including a protein shake or supplement to your daily diet to help with recovery.
If you’re new to weight training, Calmin advises consulting with a trainer or physiotherapist first. If you’re unsure of who to go with, Calmin suggests researching a trusted trainer on YouTube, or Instagram which is how he first started. Check their views, content, certifications and comments to help you make a more informed decision.
To make training easier for Medshield members, we feature amazing free workout videos by incredible fitness trainers to follow along to. We also have multiple programmes, designed by professionals, to help you find what you might be looking for to aid you on your weight loss and fitness journey.
If you’ve recently recovered from Covid-19, read this article for expert advice on how to ease back into training.
Visit our LIVE workout portal for free online classes. We have a combination of HIIT workouts, strength training and Yoga classes to inspire you to get fit and stay flexible.
If you’re looking for a challenge, try out:
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