The holidays are near, and naturally, we all tend to pack on a few pounds. I mean, who can resist indulging in holiday party gatherings, office potlucks, or Friendsgiving festivities?
But, for those who are trying to move the scale in reverse this holiday, we’ve got your back. Weight loss is possible (and also sustainable) through the holiday season, and as you continue through the new year with your fitness resolutions.
You know what they say: If you know better, you’ll do better. So we asked a few top trainers to share their single best piece of weight-loss advice for lasting results. And no — no waist trainers or Flat tummy teas included!
Move some weight.
The weight to weight loss? Training — like a girl. “Perform fasted workouts with a mix of compound movement’s super set with calisthenics,” explains fitness expert and professional Kareem Hyman. Time your breaks, depending on your fitness level, I personally advise 1 minute in between sets but no more than 2 minutes tops. Compound movements (bench press, squat, power clean, deadlift etc.) are exercises that incorporate more than 1 muscle groups at a time. Aim for moderate to heavy weight I’d advise 70%-80% of your max for anywhere between 8-12 reps. Immediately following jump right into a body weight exercise (squats, pull ups, dips, push ups) Do these until failure. This will provide a good mix of strength training along with endurance training.
Workout at least 30 minutes per day.
It’s tough to look slimmer if you’re not working up a sweat to earn those lean muscles. “Consistency is key,” says celebrity trainer to some of our favorite celebs (hello, Danielle Brooks), Morit Summers. “No matter what route you take, stick with it long enough that it becomes a habit. Find something you enjoy like running, swimming or dance, and after a while you’ll find that you’re already leading a healthy life.”
Eat healthy fats.
If you want to burn fat, you have to become fat-adapted, meaning your body needs to switch the primary energy source it uses to fuel your activities. But, if you’re trying to drop some weight ASAP, you probably don’t care as much about energy, and fat intake, and just want the scale to move. Trainer and Killer Bodies founder Meliza Fernandez says, “Whenever I need to drop weight quickly for an event or just an extra push I stop consuming sugars and carbs. I load up on seltzer water because it helps me with anxious nibbling.”
Take a HIIT.
To your body of course, not your motivation. The same rules that apply for strength training to work out, you’ll also need to up your heart rate as well. “I always lower my caloric intake and add 2-3 days of HIIT cardio, compound movement exercises, circuit training and sprints,” says popular fitness trainer Qui Camper.
