The Fast Lane

Sick of all the fitness industry’s ‘think of your body as a car’ metaphors? Us too. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, as our experts steer you through some easy science-backed workout add-ons designed to fast-track your lean body results.

- Katelyn Swallow

While we don’t necessarily advocate fad diets or mountains of supplements to facilitate quicker body composition results, there is something to be said for efficiency; and there’s certainly no point denying that centimetres lost or abs peaking are some of the greatest training motivators. So whether you wish to build muscle or slash fat (or a combination of the two), we are all about the short cuts to the finish line.

DROP THE FAT

A quick scroll through social media platforms will see body builder to personal trainer boasting shredded curves or their clients latest ‘eight week transformation’. But your genetics, body type and lifestyle all play a role in how quickly you can shed fat – and keep it off. Setting realistic expectations is key to mitigating disappointment, supporting motivation and a consistent routine.

First: understand that strength and fitness levels will likely increase long before your body mass drops.

“Women are particularly bombarded with messages on body image and lifestyles that are not sustainable. You need to understand your current diet, available time, key influencers including family food habits and personal health before developing your fat loss plan,” says trainer and co-founder of Code5 fitness, Connor Pettersson (code5.com.au).

“We all know there is no secret to fat loss: it’s calories in versus calories out. But when it comes to training plans you want to make sure it suits your lifestyle and ability.”

Pettersson – whose Sydney-based gyms specialise in body transformations – suggests aiming for no more than 1.5kg of fat loss per week to ensure your health remains uncompromised. For those who are not obese, think closer to 500g to one kilogram per week.

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