Has anyone ever asked you “have you heard about that new workout video?” Have they said “hey, I’m trying this new workout and it’s great…I’m really sore and tired but I am losing weight”.  I am frequently asked for my opinion about various programs such as (insert name of program here).  My response is always the same:  “For whom?”

Some of these programs result in weight loss because of dangerous overtraining concepts.  High speed movements and “muscle confusion” are considered THE way to burn calories and get results with some routines.   “Results” is certainly what you will get but are they the results you want?  Other fitness crazes claim to get results through difficult movements that many cannot perform even at the lowest level.  Muscles will respond to these insane tactics, but there is also a high risk of injury, burnout, and overtraining (more on the physical signs of overtraining later). 

The key to fitness success can be summed up in one word: “personalized”.  There is no program, no DVD workout routine, no T.V. fitness expert who knows YOU.  These programs at best can help you burn a few calories in the short term and at worst, can land you in serious physical trouble.  A planned, deliberate and individualized progression of exercise is the smart way to be fit.    The next time you hear someone talking about the newest fitness craze, you might want to ask them “but is it smart?”