So it’s the month of the ‘Mo,’ a month to focus on men’s health – and what better a reasonĀ to do a little research on what it takes to be healthy. Luckily we have some great friends over at Paragon Fitness/Crossfit RIED who just so happen to be experts on the subject!
WeĀ asked them a few questions, and hope that their answers inspire you to get in shape this summer.

Q: Nowadays with computers and cellphones, being in good shape is harder than ever as we want everything NOW! So… Is there a fast, easy way to get healthy and fit?Ā
A: There isn’t. Not if you want lasting results. It takes dedication, hard work and a good plan to make a change that is going to last a lifetime. The effort is totally worth the end result.

Q: Now that we’ve got the nitty gritty out of the way, How often should I workout?
A: When starting a new training program, 2 sessions per week is sufficient. Your body will take some time to learn new movements, skills and to gain a base level of strength and fitness, so give it time. Once you’ve gotten into the swing of things take your training up. 3-5 times per week is what we recommend depending on your level of strength and fitness an how strong and fit you would like to get.

Q: Let’s take a minute to talk about those rock-hard abs. We all want them, how do we get them?
A: Abs are truly made in the kitchen, meaning no matter how strong you may be able to get your abs, or how much focus you put into training them – if you don’t eat well enough to get to a healthy body fat percentage, you may never see them! So get your eating habits on point to win at the game of abs.

Q: We know allĀ about carbs, calories and all that jazz, but seriously, how many calories does it take to burn one kg of fat?
A: The old school way of thinking that calories in must equal calories out isn’t actually true. When it comes to food, a calorie isn’t always a calorie. Meaning 100 calories of butter versus 100 calories of vegetables may be the same amount of calories on paper, but I think you can work out which one you should rather eat. Eat the right kind of foods and get good quality training in, then you never have to worry about calories again.

Q: Is it true that diet is 90% of the work?
A: I wouldn’t say quite 90% but it’s at least 60%. Some people may need to pay better attention to their diet than others to get their desired outcome, but 60-90% is the range to work in. Quality food in your body is going to make sure you have sufficient energy for sessions, are recovering well after sessions and get to a body fat percentage where you can see the results of all your hard work!

Q: What would you recommend for a quick 20-30 minute workout?
A: Something that involves as many muscle groups as possible! Compound exercises, complexes and HIIT will be your friend in maximising what you get out of a session in as little time as possible. CrossFit, Kettlebell lifting, TRX suspension training and calisthenics are some great training tools to get results in minimal time. A good coach is your best bet in making sure you have the best tools at your disposal.

Q: Lastly, what is one piece of advice you have for keeping fit and healthy?
A: Don’t give up!! It can be a tough road to get to your goal, especially in the beginning, but I have yet to come across a person, who once having gotten there, has said the journey wasn’t worth it. The end results are always worth the body that is a little tender some days, the earlier mornings or later nights, the meal planning and the gym fees, so never be afraid to start. Your future self will thank you!
Are you ready to get fit?
Paragon Fitness / Crossfit RIED are giving away a 8Ā week UpSkillĀ course* to one lucky reader!
Simply comment below and you could be on your way from dad-bod to six pack.
*Upskill is our 8 week course for beginners of CrossFit and Hardstyle Kettlebell lifting. It’s a progression based program, with 2 sessions per week, where instruct the fundamentals of Olympic lifting, Power lifting, Hardstyle kettlebells, Calisthenics, Gymnastics and Plyometrics.
Check out Paragon Fitness/Crossfit RIED on the Durbanite Directory
