Fitness FAQs
Won’t strength training make me bulky?
This has been a significant roadblock for people starting their fitness journeys. The fear of looking like a bodybuilder has unfortunately prevented many people from experiencing the health benefits of strength training.
"Bulking up" requires very deliberate effort. Bodybuilders eat in a very specific way, train religiously, and often use a wide variety of supplements to achieve the outcomes they're working toward.
Strength training several days a week and eating a healthy diet based on moderation will not make someone look like a bodybuilder.
Getting stronger is something we should all strive for. Strength will help you feel better, move more efficiently in your daily activities (walking, playing with kids, carrying groceries, etc.), and help avoid injury.
Strength training is also one of the best ways to improve body composition and help you achieve a leaner look.
How often should I workout?
It depends on your schedule and how active you are OUTSIDE the gym.
If you're a regular hiker/skier/biker/runner/swimmer, then 1-2 strength workouts per week could be enough. But if your gym workouts are your main activity, we recommend 3 strength+interval workouts. Outside of these, doing some light-moderate cardio like walking or biking on non-gym days can add even more health-promoting activity to your schedule.
Of course, this all depends on your schedule. 1-2 workouts per week is MUCH better than 0 workouts.
What should I eat before a workout?
While some people can work out on an empty stomach, many people find themselves getting light-headed or nauseous if they haven't eaten recently.
Each person is different, but it's usually best to eat something in the 2-hour timeframe before a workout. The closer to workout time, the lighter it should be.
It might just be a piece of fruit, maybe some mixed nuts, or half of a sandwich. Ideally, you'll want some carbohydrates, some protein, and a small amount of fat. And drink water!
Here's a video that goes into more detail...
How do i lose fat?
Optimizing fat loss involves a combination of building strength (improving muscle mass), and consuming the right types of foods in the right amounts.
Focusing strictly on cardio or consuming extremely low-calorie diets are two common pitfalls that dig people deeper into the fat loss struggle. A good approach involves regular strength and conditioning training, along with a diet full of quality protein and vegetables. You'll be receiving more specific emails on fat loss soon.
You can also check out our Nutrition Coaching Program to help build the habits necessary for long-term fat loss and health.
We've put together a Fat Loss playbook you can read for free below.