Rest!

Take a client with clean nutrition, exercising well but stubborn fat deposits not shifting, I then look at their LIFESTYLE. If stressed, tired, or ‘wired’ we need to calm the nervous system first, as Cortisol levels will be elevated, leading to an acid environment, and weight gain – especially around the stomach area. (too little Cortisol presents problems too – mainly fatigue). I advise clients to “Sharpen the saw”. In other words – rest more, so your training is more ferocious and effective. Or “Don’t train if you can’t gain” It sometimes works to advise a client to take a week OFF from training, and get into massage, steam rooms, meditation, power naps, and power walking in the sunshine. Also look into ‘Holosync’ (Google!) which clears ‘brain chatter’. When this is all in place can we then re-evaluate nutrition, resistance training, aerobic training and food diaries. Regularly NOT getting enough quality slumber? Noticed how improved your energy levels are, with higher performances in both mental and physical tasks when you are really rested? Why we feel so good when we are on holiday? During sleep the liver processes all the rubbish we have ingested from the day (not just alcohol either). The body regenerates whilst asleep, recovering for the next day. Growth hormone (think of this as a fat burning hormone), is released in waves overnight (which is why if you are not getting enough sleep, you will find it really hard to lose weight/fat).

If you are NOT getting the rest you need – you may recognise this - we often need sugar and caffeine ‘fixes’ to get through it! (creating a neat vicious circle).

I also know from my own experience that any exercise you do is compromised by a lack of sleep – you’ll not perform at your usual levels.

HELP!! Drop caffeine right down, especially 4 hours before bed. Avoid processed foods (anyway), but they often contain sugar/MSG, e-numbers, & food additives - all ‘foreign to the body so the liver has to work even harder. Chose your alcohol days wisely (if at all), as this is a STIMULANT! Bright lights (TV and lappies), will also stimulate you so try to avoid an hour before bed. At bed time avoid stress if possible and definitely try to avoid work-orientated reading matter! Drink Tulsi tea (Deli) as this helps to knock you out! Get your room pitch black AND (this is a winner but you need to be brave), believe it or not a COLD bath or shower an hour before bed will shut down the system very efficiently!

We only have so much room here - if you’d like more on this subject (and many others) e-mail me cat@gymandtonichay.co.uk for the full article.