Preparing to dive right into fitness and strength training means you need a lot of specialized products before you get started, right? You need to make sure you’re fully prepared for the journey you’re about to embark on, and let’s be honest, you don’t want to look like an amateur in front of your new gym friends.
According to nutrition and fitness coach Roxie Jones, this is actually a myth and a lot of what you think it is. need, You probably don’t.
Speaking in a recent video posted on Instagram, Jones talked about products she would never use, and while she admits that’s just her opinion, she urges you not to bother with them either.
Fitness products you don’t actually need
before exercise
Pre-workout, a substance usually available in powder form, is thought to help boost energy and help you maintain a sustained, focused workout, but not everyone needs it, according to Jones.
Pre-training helps with heavy lifting, but most people don’t lift heavy enough to need it, Jones says. Instead, he advises that people will benefit more from a good night’s sleep and getting enough protein, both of which can contribute to better energy levels.
waist trainers
Waist trainers are shapewear that wraps around your body and secures using a lacing system, hook-and-eye fasteners, or adhesive buckles. Popularized by the Kardashians, there is a long-standing belief that frequently wearing a waist trainer can lead to a slimmer waist.
But these won’t shrink your waist because “you can’t change the circumference of your ribcage,” according to Jones.
If you want to have a smaller-looking waist, working your back muscles will create an “optical illusion” of having a smaller waist, Jones says.
bosu balls
If you’re unfamiliar, Bosu balls are balls cut in half, resembling giant exercise balls. These are often used as balance trainers and to maintain focus during muscle exercises.
But Jones points out: “Most of you can’t even stand on one leg, so why would you need a Bosu ball to make it harder?”
Fair.
Juice cleanses
Juice cleanses are a very controversial topic in the health and wellness world. These are usually done over a short period of time and involve drinking only fruit or vegetable drinks in an attempt to ‘cleanse’ the body.
“You’re not going to lower your body fat percentage by drinking some juice,” says Jones. He agrees that these are great for getting micronutrients, but adds that they lack fiber, which is essential for hormone and gut health.
While Jones doesn’t think juice cleanses should be avoided entirely, she says if you’re missing essential macronutrients, “skip the juice cleanse.”
Spot reduction programs and exercises
Spot reduction programs are exercises that aim to target specific areas of fat, such as upper arms or belly fat.
“If you still believe influencers who tell you you can get rid of your FUPA (Fat Upper Pubic Area) or bra fat, they are lying to you,” says Jones. Your skin is a large organ, and you can’t ‘spot reduce’ fat because it comes from everywhere, Jones says.
It seems like if you want to stay in shape you just need to stick to the basics.
