Get Moving Gym-Free!

Monday, November 18th 2002

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By Maria Deveson Crabbe, former CEO Aussie Bodies and Author of Your Body Your Life

I recently ended my ten-year strike against gyms and took up a membership at a fantastic new women's health club. For so many years I hated the thought of rocking up in my bike pants and tank top, doing the same boring old routines. I know I'm not alone - many girlfriends of mine just loathe getting into tight, skimpy clothing or they simply find it unengaging or awkward doing all those exercises that are supposed to help them burn calories. If you don't enjoy doing the ride then get off the bus, I say. There are plenty of other ways to reach your destination.

Thankfully there are now some excellent gyms for women which offer a friendly, relaxed environment along with a great variety of fat-burning activities: like yoga, pilates and step classes. But for those who still wouldn't be caught dead in a gym or health club, I guarantee you can get into shape or maintain your figure at home just like I did for all those years. It's all about doing the things you love to do and incorporating a few more activities that are simple and fun. Yes, a woman need not suffer in order to sweat. And sweat you will definitely need to do if you want to improve fitness and reshape your body.

Rather than introduce a whole bunch of activities you're not used to doing (only to grow disenchanted and disappointed all over again), I recommend taking a look at the things you are already doing and to approach them differently, raising the tempo a little and getting more physical. Nothing strenuous, I promise!

While today we benefit from the labour saving devices that make domestic life so much easier, saving labour actually means burning fewer calories. The reason your grandmother didn't need a treadmill or stepper was that her ordinary household activities (along with far fewer processed foods) kept her slim enough. So try switching off some of those devices!

Here are some easy ways you can get moving:

· Get cooking in the kitchen - you'd be surprised how many calories you can burn while you're busy adding new ones to the dinner plate.
· Leave home early and walk, jog or ride a bike into work.
· Play with the kids or dogs in the park or take the dog for a morning walk.
· Crank up your favourite dance music while you do the housework.
· Wash the car.
· Do the gardening.
· Take the stairs not the elevator or escalator.
· When planning your next holiday, incorporate some hiking, camping, mountain walking or swimming.

My day begins with a brisk walk to the local park with my dogs Lucy and Ardo. Most nights I love to get busy in the kitchen. On weekends I enjoy getting my hands dirty in the garden and helping out with some renovation work round the house. On occasion, I've been brave enough to allow my dare devil husband Wayne to whisk me away on a few mystery adventures that end up involving lots of rugged, outdoor activity. (A word of advice: pack a first aid kit when holidaying with your husband.)

While these not-so-intense activities still burn plenty of calories and boost your metabolism, they can also give you that fabulous feeling of empowerment you get from more intense physical activity. Let yourself enjoy this feeling and make it your natural source of motivation. You'll be movin' on up in no time!

Ask Maria

Q
After just four weeks my friend Julia is having more success on my diet than I have had after three months. It can't all be genetics - what could I be doing wrong?
Petra, Helensville

A
There are most likely two reasons for this. One is to do with your BMR. This is your basal metabolic rate which specifically is the number of calories you would burn if you stayed in bed all day. Your BMR increases the more physical activity you do during the day. The correct type of diet also increases your BMR because regular, well-balanced eating uses up energy for digestion. Julia's BMR may be higher than yours. On the other hand, people who have spent years on a series of inappropriate, low fat, low calorie 'yo-yo' diets, often find that they have reduced their BMR leading to later difficulties with weight loss.

You could also have different body types. This doesn't mean you are doomed to find the going tough. You simply need a change of plan, one better suited to your body.

Q
I've been eating lots of eggs while following your diet plan, but I've heard that too many eggs can be bad for you. Can you clarify please?
Carly, Auckland

A
Relax Carly - the egg phobia is ancient history now. Eggs are great for you and no longer have the bad reputation they have been unfairly tarnished with. Recent research shows that eggs do not increase the risk of heart disease, are low in saturated fat, high in protein and are a great source of essential fatty acids. 

Q
Your book warns against fad diets and how too few calories lead to weight gain in the long run. What is the difference between this and your rapid weight loss plans on your website?
Imogen, Palmerston North

A
There are two main differences. First, most restrictive diets do not supply adequate protein, which leads to a diminution of metabolism. The Rapid Loss phase at life.aussiebodies.com.au recommends a level of protein that helps avoid that metabolic slow down. Secondly, the Rapid Loss phase is only for a four-week "kick start", after which I encourage you to move progressively to Steady Loss and then to the Maintenance phase. You will need to take in additional kilojoules with respect to the amount of exercise you may be doing.

Most of the fad diets around today, along with an increasing range of "get slim quick" products at the supermarket, encourage consumers to keep going back to the same high sugar, calorie-restrictive diets all the time, which is a surefire recipe for metabolic decrease and long-term weight gain.

Reproduced unabridged from an article originally published in New Idea magazine, with the kind permission of Ebody.

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Whey Protein - Vanilla
CarbRite - Lemon Meringue
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TummyTone - CLA
Slim Hoodia
Hoodia PowerSlim
HPLC Bar - Choc Crunch
L-Carnitine Plus
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Svetol
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Related health information can be found here:

Bitter Orange as an appetite suppressant and to aid fat loss
Chitosan, the fat & cholesterol binder that helps to promote weight loss and control blood pressure
Cholesterol
Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
Good nutrition for positive weight control
Levels of protein, carbohydrate and fat in Food
Looking for a sugar alternative? Try Stevia
Protein - a macro nutrient so often overlooked
Water, the elixir of life
Weight loss naturally

Related articles can be found here:

Chromium Essential for sugar metabolism

Hoodia - A Natural Supplement that kills the appetite and attacks obesity!

Rhodiola - helps fight obesity and depression

Stevita

Reduce Abdominal Fat With CLA

 

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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