Sustainability

Many of today’s fitness and diet recommendations are one’s that offer extreme scenarios that, in my opinion, are not sustainable for the average person.  Allow me to explain in a bit more detail.  For instance, many experts (so-called as well as scientific) offer the idea of interval training to be a great way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness.  At some level, this is an accurate statement, but for the most part, it is not a sustainable means for most people.

Let’s for example discuss some approaches to getting fit using the concept of interval training.  I.T. is a very effective means of getting lean and in great cardiovascular shape but cannot and should not be used on an ongoing basis.

Intervals done at high levels on a frequent basis can and will lead to over training – which is reflected in results such as injury, poor performance, loss of muscle tissue, lowered immune function, overall burnout and more.

Nutritionists and dietitians recommend diet plans that, for the most part, are geared toward losing weight.  With that usually comes a recommendation of a supplemental approach that encourages taking some type of protein powder or some kind of protein/energy bars.  I am not against this in its entirety, but as an “only way” means of a diet program being successful, I’m not buying it.  This is not a sustainable means after someone reaches their goal – or at least it shouldn’t be.  As an example, I recently was reviewing various vegetarian diets and how an athlete/bodybuilder can do very well undergoing a plant-based diet.  I would not argue that someone can succeed on a vegetarian diet (if done correctly), but the recommendation to support the diet was ingesting a plant-based protein 3 times a day.  That is not a ringing endorsement for a vegetarian style diet and shouldn’t be a requirement for success.

I could list several examples here but my point is simple: healthy overall health and fitness should have a well-rounded approach that is systematic and is individualized to your goals and needs and be one that you can sustain for a long time.