If you'd like to train with us in South Florida, visit our website to request a free consultation: https://www.rodsquad.com/ Stay tuned for the details on our new virtual program, THE MEMBERSHIP, coming soon. In this episode, Rod and Kate explain why you should stop worrying about your abs. Rod answers the question, "Are abs made in the kitchen?" Important reminder: You cannot spot burn fat! We gain and lose fat systemically. Whatever fat you lose in your belly, you're losing or gaining fat at the same rate in your face, arms, all the way down to your toes. Pay attention to your waist line to measure your progress and success. If you're trying to lose body fat, you will lose inches and dress sizes. Rod suggests putting aside an outfit that doesn't stretch. As Rod says, "Lululemon lies!" Those stretchy pants will not help you discover the truth about your weight loss or gain. A body with more muscle burns more calories at rest. Don't forget that girth comes from fat, not muscle. Pound per pound, fat is the weight as muscle but it's bigger than muscle. If you're worried about getting bulky legs from strength training, you need to lose fat first. Your upper body is about 30% of your metabolism. What is metabolism? MUSCLE. Muscle is metabolism. If you feel your metabolism is slowing down, that simply equates to muscle loss. As a woman, female specific training is important. You want to lift in a way that will develop muscles in a feminine way. You don't way a thicker neck, thicker traps, bigger arms. You want curvy, feminine muscles with nice lats, tapering down to a smaller waist. There's a whole science behind muscle development for women. If you're doing a lot of work on your core, it will not help you develop an hourglass shape. If you're working abdominal muscles, you're asking them to grow, which will make your midsection thicker and wider. In most cases, your girth is not coming from too much muscle, it's coming from fat. Anyone can get a flat stomach, but not everyone can develop visible abdominal muscles. It depends on your genetics. The Rock is a perfect example of this. Abs are being worked as supporters in exercises like back squats. You don't need to lay on the ground and do situps. Why Rod suggests moving more/ increasing activity before tackling nutrition/ diet/ changing your food? It's healthier! The blood flow and the mental health benefits can help you when it comes time to improve the other part. "If you are sitting, you're getting fat." You need a higher volume of food, which works as an appetite suppressant. Abs CAN BE made in the kitchen, but that's not what Rod suggests for you to focus on first. Stop worrying about your abs, because there's so many other things you could focus on first, like fat loss, muscle development, and moving more. Moving more is healthier for your brain and heart. The more you sit around, the more depression sets in. Mental and physical health go hand in hand.
