Women, are you making these 4 common fitness mistakes?

Fitness is an ever-evolving process, which is why it is necessary to be aware about the common mistakes we may be committing and how to address those to stay consistent. Fitness influencer Neha Parihar took to Instagram to share some of the mistakes that women may be making unknowingly in their fitness journey.

*”You’re not eating enough! Even if you want to lose weight you need to eat MORE. Aiming a toned body and losing weight both require adequate fuel…,” shared Neha.

*You only do cardio because cardio burns calories and if you burn calories you’ll lose weight and look skinny… you need to prioritise weights instead. “You’ll look “toned” aka retain necessary muscle AND you’ll be able to eat more because muscle, burns more calories than fat,” shared Neha.

*You’re constantly in a calorie deficit. “You think that you’ll gain weight if you come out of the deficit… I promise you won’t!” shared Neha.

*You give up too easily. “Remember, consistency > motivation. You become disheartened when your body hasn’t changed after a few weeks. Have yourself some patience because your dream body requires effort, patience, and consistency,” said Neha.

Do you end up making these mistakes?

Dr Swati Gaikwad, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Pune shared that it’s crucial to emphasise that a holistic approach to health and fitness is paramount, especially considering the unique physiological factors that women experience.

Ensure you are eating enough (Source: Freepik)

Here’s a nuanced perspective on the mentioned points:

Not eating enough

Insufficient caloric intake can disrupt hormonal balance, impacting the menstrual cycle and reproductive health. “Inadequate nutrition may compromise the body’s ability to produce essential hormones, affecting fertility and overall well-being. For women seeking a toned body, it’s essential to strike a balance, ensuring they meet their nutritional needs to support hormonal health,” said Dr Gaikwad.

Overemphasis on cardio

While cardiovascular exercise is beneficial, neglecting strength training can be a missed opportunity for women. “Weight-bearing exercises contribute to bone health, crucial for women, particularly as they age. Additionally, maintaining muscle mass aids in metabolic health, supporting weight management and hormonal equilibrium,” said Dr Gaikwad.

Constant calorie deficit

Persistently remaining in a calorie deficit may negatively impact hormonal health, leading to irregular menstrual cycles or amenorrhea. Adequate nutrition is vital for reproductive health, and overly restrictive diets can disrupt the delicate balance required for optimal fertility and overall well-being, said Dr Gaikwad.

Giving up easily

Patience is indeed a virtue when it comes to health and fitness. “Rapid, extreme changes in diet or exercise routines can induce stress on the body, potentially affecting hormonal balance. Consistency over time is key to sustainable results, and a gradual approach is often more conducive to long-term well-being,” said Dr Gaikwad.

In conclusion, while pursuing fitness goals, women must consider the intricate interplay between nutrition, exercise, and hormonal health. “Seeking guidance from both fitness and healthcare professionals ensures a well-rounded approach that aligns with individual health needs and reproductive goals. Balancing fitness aspirations with women’s unique physiological considerations fosters not only a toned physique but also overall health and wellness,” said Dr Gaikwad.

 

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A post shared by Neha Parihar (@growithneha)

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