Weight loss supplements simply don’t work. That’s why! There’s no escaping it, exercise is the key.
A recent analysis of pills promoting weight loss showed all their claims are pretty much bunk. We knew this, right? Intellectually we knew it. Emotionally we still can’t help but want it to be the pill that will save us. Today we must concede the pill is out, right out. Exercise is the only relevant treatment for weight gain alongside a balanced diet of healthy whole foods.
That same exercise can add years to your life. Exercise guidelines from the America College of sports Medicine (ACSM), and the American Heart Association (among others) tell us you can add 3-4 years to your life by getting 150 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous exercise (that’s just 2 hours and 30 minutes, or 30 minutes five days a week. You can gain 2-3 years with 75 minutes (just one hour and 15 minutes in an entire week). Come people! We can do this!
This same amount of activity can also counteract what scientists call “The Fat Gene.” Many people are somewhat predisposed to put on fat weight. Just 75 minutes a week made those with the gene 27 percent less likely to gain weight. Doing nothing will surely cause weight gain – for everyone. Taking pills may offer a 1-2 pound loss but that’s it. We always end up back at the move more junction, don’t we?
Now is the time to kick your move meter up a notch.
Consider this… You can’t take a pill to put 4 years on your life. All it takes is a brisk 30-minute walk five times a week. For more aggressive weight loss, more is better (and vigorous is more efficient than moderate) but anything is better than nothing.
Try Olga’s lunge slide for a good heart rate lift and a strong lower body (instructions below). And be sure to click on the pill study above for the lead Author’s tips on how to live a healthier life.
You in Your Workplace
Walking meetings have to begin to become a part of our days. How can we make it the norm. Collectively, if we all agree that we value the idea, we can begin to track it as a group. Each time two or more people take a walk while they talk, record it on a board. Once your team reaches a certain goal, certain number of walks recorded, treat everyone to a reward. Ask how people feel before and after the program (and the walks) for some good data. Be sure to suggest people immediately write down what they discussed when they return to the office so ideas don’t get lost. Dictation devices can help too. Many smartphones have such options. You may also want to look for an objective measure of success such as “did the team’s rate of achieving their goals increase as a result of the walks.”
See you on the fit PATH Ahead!
Olga’s Lunge Slide: