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Sadie Rigby in Two-Piece Workout Gear Reveals 5 Benefits of Free Weights

Here are the benefits of lifting weight over using machines.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 28, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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sadieactive/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 28, 2024
Leah Groth
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Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Fitness & Workouts

It might be tempting to work the machine circuit at the gym. However, according to one fitness expert, you are better off sticking to the free weights. Sade Rigby is a social media influencer and personal trainer with over 220,000 followers on Instagram. She is committed to encouraging a “strong, not skinny” approach to health and is a weight training devotee. “Not all machines are made for all body types, and thus can limit the effectiveness of the intended exercise,” she explains in the post. “Here are some reasons why I prioritize free weights in my training.” Here is everything you need to know about how free weights may be better than machines.

Free Weights Help Build Strength

First, she explains the strength benefits of lifting weights. “Free weights engage stabilizer muscles and require controlling the weight throughout the movement,” says Sadie. “This results in improved stability, coordination, and functional strength throughout the body.”

Free Weights Help with the Range of Motion

Gym and dumbbell weight training equipment on sport ,Healthy life and gym exercise equipments and sports concept ,copy spaceShutterstock

Next, they help with range of motion. “Machines can’t cater to every body type,” she explains. “Free weights allow for a greater range of motion compared to machines, which are often limited by their fixed paths. This can result in more natural movements and improved flexibility/mobility over time.”

Related: The 11 Top Proteins for Weight Loss, According to Dave Asprey

Core Engagement

Female athlete doing squats holding a medicine ball standing on a rooftop. Woman doing workout using medicine ball with an agility ladder by her side on rooftop.Shutterstock

Free weights are also superior when it comes to core engagement, she claims. “Many free weight exercises, such as squats and deadlifts, require core stabilization, leading to improved core strength and stability,” says Sadie. “Machines, on the other hand, often provide support for the body, reducing the need for core engagement.”

Functional Transfer

Sade_Rigby_sadieactive3sadieactive/Instagram

Finally, they are better for what she calls functional transfer. “The strength and stability gained from free weight exercises tend to transfer better to real-life activities,” she says. “This makes weight training superior for longevity and athletic performance.”

Related: 15 Proven Ways to Sculpt Your Dream Body by An Expert Coach

She Also Recommends Progressive Overload

Sade_Rigby_sadieactive4sadieactive/Instagram

In another post, she elaborates on the concept of progressive overload. “Sometimes we think progressive overload is just doing the same workouts over and over again. Progressive overload is gradually increasing the stress on our muscles, and there are multiple ways to achieve this!” she reveals. She recommends starting by increasing time under tension. “Add a pulse, slow down the exercise, do tempo work)” she says. Next, she says to increase the weight lifted, “or add a band,” she suggests. Finally, she suggests increasing volume, “add reps and/or sets,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you gravitate toward machines, try using free weights for a week and see if you notice any difference.

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Fitness & Workouts

Sadie Rigby in Two-Piece Workout Gear Reveals 5 Benefits of Free Weights

Sade_Rigby_sadieactive2
sadieactive/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 28, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

It might be tempting to work the machine circuit at the gym. However, according to one fitness expert, you are better off sticking to the free weights. Sade Rigby is a social media influencer and personal trainer with over 220,000 followers on Instagram. She is committed to encouraging a “strong, not skinny” approach to health and is a weight training devotee. “Not all machines are made for all body types, and thus can limit the effectiveness of the intended exercise,” she explains in the post. “Here are some reasons why I prioritize free weights in my training.” Here is everything you need to know about how free weights may be better than machines.

Free Weights Help Build Strength

First, she explains the strength benefits of lifting weights. “Free weights engage stabilizer muscles and require controlling the weight throughout the movement,” says Sadie. “This results in improved stability, coordination, and functional strength throughout the body.”

Free Weights Help with the Range of Motion

Gym and dumbbell weight training equipment on sport ,Healthy life and gym exercise equipments and sports concept ,copy spaceShutterstock

Next, they help with range of motion. “Machines can’t cater to every body type,” she explains. “Free weights allow for a greater range of motion compared to machines, which are often limited by their fixed paths. This can result in more natural movements and improved flexibility/mobility over time.”

Related: The 11 Top Proteins for Weight Loss, According to Dave Asprey

Core Engagement

Female athlete doing squats holding a medicine ball standing on a rooftop. Woman doing workout using medicine ball with an agility ladder by her side on rooftop.Shutterstock

Free weights are also superior when it comes to core engagement, she claims. “Many free weight exercises, such as squats and deadlifts, require core stabilization, leading to improved core strength and stability,” says Sadie. “Machines, on the other hand, often provide support for the body, reducing the need for core engagement.”

Functional Transfer

Sade_Rigby_sadieactive3sadieactive/Instagram

Finally, they are better for what she calls functional transfer. “The strength and stability gained from free weight exercises tend to transfer better to real-life activities,” she says. “This makes weight training superior for longevity and athletic performance.”

Related: 15 Proven Ways to Sculpt Your Dream Body by An Expert Coach

She Also Recommends Progressive Overload

Sade_Rigby_sadieactive4sadieactive/Instagram

In another post, she elaborates on the concept of progressive overload. “Sometimes we think progressive overload is just doing the same workouts over and over again. Progressive overload is gradually increasing the stress on our muscles, and there are multiple ways to achieve this!” she reveals. She recommends starting by increasing time under tension. “Add a pulse, slow down the exercise, do tempo work)” she says. Next, she says to increase the weight lifted, “or add a band,” she suggests. Finally, she suggests increasing volume, “add reps and/or sets,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you gravitate toward machines, try using free weights for a week and see if you notice any difference.

Fitness & Workouts

Sadie Rigby in Workout Gear Reveals “How to Lean Out” 

Sade_Rigby_sadieactive18
Copyright sadieactive/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 24, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

There is a big misconception that “leaning out” is the same thing as losing weight. According to fitness expert Sadie Rigby, this is not the case. Rigby, a social media influencer and personal trainer, is committed to encouraging a “strong, not skinny” approach to health. In a new Instagram post, she explains how losing weight to lean out isn’t something that should be your goal. “My advice for anyone trying to lean out,” the first blurb of her video reads. Here is why you shouldn’t try to lose weight and what you should do instead.

Losing Weight Is Not the Right Way to Lean Out

In the caption, Sadie explains that losing weight “is not an effective approach to leaning out because usually it means you’re going to eat less and try to burn calories.”

You Will End Up Looking “Weaker,” She Says

Bearded thin man measuring biceps, muscles of his left arm with a yellow tape measure. He's calm, serious, quiet. Wearing blue t-shirt. White background.Shutterstock

“This never works because even if you do lose weight, a lot of it isn’t even body fat, so you end up looking the same, just weaker,” she continues. “Not to mention you’re miserable so you’ll just end up right back where you were!”

Related: 6 Health Myths Busted by Dietitians

Instead, You Should Strengthen Your Body

Shirtless man flipping heavy tire at gymShutterstock

“Strengthening your body, on the other hand, is going to mean you’re eating more healthy, nutrient-dense foods, developing metabolically active muscles that give your body shape and definition while simultaneously shedding body fat specifically!” she concludes in the post.

Increase the Weight You Are Lifting

Barbel weights in gymShutterstock

In the video, she adds that you should “stop trying to decrease your body weight” and instead “start increasing the dumbbell weight.”

Related: 6 Health Myths Busted by Dietitians

Here Is Why Progressive Overload is Important

Close up of woman back with flexing her muscles in sweat on skin after workout. Female bodybuilder with perfect bicepsShutterstock

In another post, she elaborates on the concept of progressive overload. “Sometimes we think progressive overload is just doing the same workouts over and over again. Progressive overload is gradually increasing the stress on our muscles, and there are multiple ways to achieve this!” she says, mentioning a few ways to do it. The first? “Increase time under tension (add a pulse, slow down the exercise, do tempo work),” she says. The second is by increasing the weight lifted, “or add a band,” she suggests. Finally, the third is to increase volume, “add reps and sets,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to achieve a leaner-looking body, don’t try to lose weight. Instead, work on building lean muscle, which will offer the leaner look you desire. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

Sadie Lee Thomas in Onesie Shares “Body Shaking” 10-Minute Pilates Style Workout 

Sadielee_Thomas_sadieleethomas8
sadieleethomas/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 20, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you want a Pilates body without having to pay hundreds of dollars a month at a studio? Sadielee Thomas is famous for sharing her totally doable at-home workouts on social media. As part of her “10-Day Pilates-Inspired Foam Roller Challenge,” the influencer and NASM Certified Personal Trainer recently unveiled a 10-minute pilates-style workout that you can do in the comfort of your own home, without a reformer. “This Pilates Reformer inspired full body workout will leave your body shaking in just 10 minutes!” she writes in the caption. Here is everything you need to know about how to do the workout.

Pilates-Style Workout

For her “Full Body Strength,” she recommends 45 seconds on 15 seconds off for 5 rounds with 30 seconds of rest between rounds. Here is the workout, which she demonstrates in the clips.

  1. Kneeling quad stretch
  2. Static single-leg lunge with chest opener
  3. Side-lying leg swings
  4. Windshield wipers on foam roller

Glute Workout

Bodyweight exercises - fitness woman doing fire hydrants legs kickbacks. Active girl training glute muscles raising one leg to the side and back for strength training in outdoor gym on grass floor.Shutterstock

Sadielee recently shared a glute workout, recommending 12 to 15 reps and 2 to 3 rounds “depending on your fitness level.”

  1. Donkey kicks
  2. Side-lying leg extensions
  3. Standing glute kickback
  4. Fire hydrants
  5. Static glute bridge abductions

Related: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Walking Workout

Sadielee enjoys walking on the treadmill and recently shared a 50-minute walking workout. “Experience the ultimate blend of speed, incline, and interval challenges,” she wrote in in the caption.

  1. 5 min warm-up - 3.5 speed
  2. 10 min steady pace - 4.0 speed
  3. 7 min incline walk - 3.5 speed
  4. 5 min moderate pace - 3.5 speed
  5. 8 min interval walk - 3.0 ~ 3.5 speed
  6. 10 min speed variation - 4.0 ~ 4.5 speed
  7. 5 min cooldown 3.0 ~ 3.5 speed

Core Workout

If you want abs like Sadielee, try her core workout, which she recently shared via her Instagram. “This particular workout didn’t single-handedly transform my core. However, incorporating movements like these, along with a diet tailored to my goals, was pivotal in achieving core transformation post-pregnancy,” she wrote, recommending 12 to 15 reps and 2 to 3 rounds “depending on fitness level.”

  1. Squat chops
  2. Dumbbell windmills
  3. Dumbbells around the world
  4. Single-leg knee drive

Related: Brianna Joye in Exercise Set Reveals 3 Moves to Shape Your Arms and Waistline

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

Sadielee recently gave her followers a glimpse at her daily diet, which doesn’t involve any meal prep and enables her to hit her macros. “I need quick, efficient, and easy to grab, but I also want it to taste yummy. My goal with nutrition right now is to just hit about 1g of protein per lb of body weight!” she says. She starts with yogurt and a Fairlife protein chocolate milk. For lunch, she eats “adult Lunchables,” which she makes with sliced turkey, cheese, edamame, grapes, nuts, and healthy crackers. For dinner, she has Chicken Kofta with Tzatziki and lemon rice. She finishes her day off with dessert, a cashew butter dark chocolate bar, and a “sleepy girl mocktail” made with cherry juice and Poppi soda.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to get into shape without having to leave your home, find an online fitness trainer who regularly shares workouts on social media and start trying them out.

Fitness & Workouts

5 Exercises to Tone Your Glutes That Only Require a Band, Says Influencer Sadielee Thomas

Sadielee_Thomas1
sadieleethomas/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 11, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Sadielee Thomas is sharing her glute workout – and all you need is an exercise band. In a new social media post, the influencer shows off her perfect glutes and demonstrates the exercises she does to maintain them. “POV: you realize you only need these 5 exercises & a band to tone and tighten your booty! 🍑” she wrote in the caption. Here is everything you need to know about her glute workout – plus her walking workout and the exercises responsible for her abs.

Muscle “Toning and Tightening” Involves “Muscle Growth and Fat Loss”

Sadielee_Thomas3sadieleethomas/Instagram

Before she gets into the workout, she shares “some crucial points I’d like to emphasize,” namely that the idea of “toning or tightening” muscles is a misconception. “Rather, the process involves muscle growth and fat loss, which collectively sculpt the desired toned appearance. Despite the appeal of catchy phrases, it’s important to understand what it’ll actually take to reach your fitness goals,” she explains.

Related: 5 Mistakes I Stopped Making After Becoming a Dietitian

You Need to Consider the Nutrition

Sadielee_Thomas7sadieleethomas/Instagram

“It’s important to recognize that no workout alone can lead to significant body fat reduction. For effective results, it’s important to complement your workout routine with a nutrition plan tailored to your goals. Remember, a balanced diet plays a crucial role in results,” she says.

Here Is Her Glute Workout

She recommends doing 12 to 15 reps and 2 to 3 rounds “depending on your fitness level.”

  1. Donkey kicks
  2. Side-lying leg extensions
  3. Standing glute kick back
  4. Fire hydrants
  5. Static glute bridge abductions

Here Is Her Walking Workout

Sadielee recently shared a 50-minute walking workout on the treadmill. “Experience the ultimate blend of speed, incline, and interval challenges,” she wrote.

Check out the workout ➡️

  • 5 min warm up - 3.5 speed
  • 10 min steady pace - 4.0 speed
  • 7 min incline walk - 3.5 speed
  • 5 min moderate pace - 3.5 speed
  • 8 min interval walk - 3.0 ~ 3.5 speed
  • 10 min speed variation - 4.0 ~ 4.5 speed
  • 5 min cool down 3.0 ~ 3.5 speed

Here Is Her Core Workout

Sadie recently shared a core workout. “This particular workout didn’t single-handedly transform my core. However, incorporating movements like these, along with a diet tailored to my goals, was pivotal in achieving core transformation post-pregnancy,” she wrote in the caption, specifying that you should do 12 to 15 reps and 2 to 3 rounds “depending on fitness level.”

  1. Squat chops
  2. Dumbbell windmills
  3. Dumbbell around the world
  4. Single-leg knee drive

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to tone and tighten any part of your body, keep in mind that you will need to build muscle and burn fat. This usually involves a combination of dietary changes and fitness.

Fitness & Workouts

Becky Greenan Reveals 5 Exercises That “Hit Every Muscle in Your Upper Body” 

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built.by.becky/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 09, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Having children and getting older is no excuse when it comes to fitness. Becky Greenan, a 37-year-old mother of two, is living, breathing proof that you can get into the best shape of your life after having kids. The fitness trainer and influencer has built up a following of nearly one million on Instagram, sharing effective, at-home workouts.

This week she dropped a new one that will change your body. “Upper & Core that will hit every muscle in your upper body with just 5 exercises,” she writes in the caption. Find out how to do the workout and see her amazing 10-year transformation on The Body Network.

Here Is the Workout

“I’m holding 10lbs and 5lbs,” she notes, suggesting 12 reps per exercise and 3 to 4 total sets.

  1. Lean backs with front raise
  2. Skull crusher with alt. leg raise
  3. Alt. curl into press
  4. Kneeling lateral raises
  5. Push up into superman

Her 10-year Transformation Is Shocking

Becky also shared a shocking transformation photo on Instagram this week, “ 27 years old vs 37 years old with 2 kids,” she wrote in the caption. “My transformation didn’t take me 10 years to see results. But my progress hasn’t been linear either - especially with 2 pregnancies.

Related: I Lost 75 Pounds While Jumping Rope and Push Ups

Be Consistent, She Says

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky4built.by.becky/Instagram

What is one of the secrets behind her transformation? “One thing I’ve always been is CONSISTENT. I’ve always kept going and I’ve never given up on myself,” she says.

For Building Muscle, Lift Weights, Not Cardio

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky3built.by.becky/Instagram

“If you want to change your body composition by getting lean and adding curves - LIFT WEIGHTS. If you want to build confidence - LIFT WEIGHTS. Cardio isn’t going to give you the shape you’re looking for,” she points out.

Her Workouts Can Be Done with Resistance Bands and Dumbbells

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky6built.by.becky/Instagram

She adds that the majority of workouts on her fitness app only require resistance bands and dumbbells, and can be done at home. “YES it can be done and it’s what I’ve been doing for years,” she concludes.

Related: 15 Proven Ways to Sculpt Your Dream Body by An Expert Coach

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky7built.by.becky/Instagram

As for diet, Becky consumes “2000ish calories and 120ish protein,” per day. “Full day of meals on a rest day for this 37 year old mama of 2. Each meal contains carbs, protein and fats. I did an estimate of my calories and protein intake for you all. I usually eat more on lifting days because I’m hungrier,” she writes in a post.

  1. 2 eggs, 2 egg whites and feta toast with butter

    400 calories / 25 protein

  2. Apple with peanut butter, protein shake

    450 calories / 35 protein

  3. Chicken thigh and leg, sweet potato and broccoli

    450 calories / 45 protein

  4. Bun with turkey, and orange

    350 calories / 15 grams protein

  5. Cucumber salad and cookies

    400 calories

💪🔥Body Booster: For a successful transformation, be consistent. Never give up on yourself and keep going.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 115 Pounds on Ozempic with 10 Weight Loss Hacks

Brittany Ainsworth britts_getting_fit_
She Lost 115 Pounds on Ozempic After Experiencing These 8 Surprising Side Effects
Copyright britts_getting_fit_/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 17, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you on Ozempic and hoping to maximize weight loss? One experienced GLP-1 user is revealing all her secrets. Brittany Ainsworth is a weight loss warrior who has dropped 115 pounds on a weight loss drug. In a new social media post, she reveals her “top 10 weight loss hacks as someone down 115 pounds so far,” she writes, revealing her “cheat codes” for effortless fat loss.

1.Eat Protein Before Anything Else at Every Meal

Her first tip is to eat protein before anything else at every meal. “Prioritize lean protein (chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, cottage cheese) before eating carbs or fats. This fills you up, stabilizes blood sugar, and reduces cravings,” she says.

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

2. Use an ADHD Visual Timer for Water Consumption

Next, she suggests using an “ADHD” visual timer for water consumption. “Set a 30-60 minute visual timer to remind yourself to drink water throughout the day. Seeing the countdown prevents forgetting and ensures steady hydration,” she writes.

3. Drink 24 oz of Water Before Eating Anything in the Morning

Start your day by hydrating by drinking 24 ounces of water before eating. “This kickstarts your metabolism, flushes out toxins, and naturally reduces hunger before your first meal,” she suggests.

4. Create a Salad Bar in Your Fridge with Clear Containers

Salad bars are really fun ways to eat your greens. She recommends creating one in your fridge. “Pre-chop veggies and proteins like grilled chicken, boiled eggs, and beans in clear meal prep containers so you can build a quick, nutrient-packed salad instead of reaching for junk,” she writes.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

5. Eat the Same High-Protein Breakfast Every Day

Be consistent and eat the same high-protein breakfast every morning. “Having a go-to breakfast (like eggs & avocado, Greek yogurt & berries, or a protein smoothie) removes decision fatigue and sets the tone for a high-protein day,” she suggests.

6. Drink a Protein Shake or Bone Broth When You Get Cravings

Got a craving? Try a protein shake or bone broth. “A quick whey/casein shake or a warm bone broth satisfies cravings, supports muscle retention, and prevents snacking on processed junk,” she says.

7. Use a Smaller Plate for Meals to Trick Your Brain

When plating your food, go small. “Studies show eating off a 9-inch plate vs. a 12-inch plate makes portions look bigger and naturally reduces calorie intake,” she writes.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

8. Set a 10-Minute Rule for Late-Night Snacking

Put in place a 10-minute rule for snacking at night. “If you feel hungry at night, set a timer for 10 minutes before grabbing food. Most cravings disappear, and if you’re still hungry, opt for protein or fiber-rich snacks,” she says.

9. Move for 10 Minutes After Every Meal

Make sure to move for a little bit after eating. “A short walk or light movement (like squats, stretching, or cleaning) after meals lowers blood sugar, boosts digestion, and prevents fat storage. Even better, add in a weighted vest,” she writes.

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

10. Eat From a Bowl Instead of the Package

Eat from a bowl or plate – not the package. “Never eat directly from a bag, box, or container. Pre-portion snacks into a bowl to prevent mindless overeating,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Fitness & Workouts

Coach Reveals the 4 Biggest Cardio Mistakes You Are Making

Angelina Stebich angeeelina.fit
Copyright angeeelina.fit/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 16, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you doing cardio to build muscle and lose weight? You should avoid a few common mistakes. Angelina Stebich is a fitness coach and influencer who shares her workout tips with hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. In a new post, she reveals common mistakes people make during workouts. “4 worst ways to do cardio if you want to build muscle,” she writes. “Cardio is great for heart health and fat loss, but if your goal is muscle growth, the wrong type can sabotage your progress. Here’s what to avoid,” she says.

Doing Cardio Before Lifting

Her first mistake is super common: Doing cardio before lifting weights. According to Angelina, “it drains energy, making your strength training less effective.” Instead, you should do it after strength training.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Doing Fasted Cardio

The second mistake is doing fasted cardio. While skipping your meal before hitting the treadmill is “popular for fat loss,” she says it isn’t good for your muscles. “It can increase muscle protein breakdown without proper fueling,” she says.

Doing Cardio on Rest Days

Another mistake lots of people make it doing cardio on rest days. “Treat rest days as true recovery. Light walking? Fine. Intense cardio? You’re just burning potential gains,” she says.

Ignoring Heart Rate Zones

Her final mistake is ignoring heart rate zones. “Staying in the fat-burning zone (low intensity) preserves muscle better than constant high-intensity work,” she says.

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

Cardio Isn’t the Enemy

Her bottom line? “Cardio isn’t the enemy,” she says. “It’s about balance. Stick to 2–3 sessions per week, prioritize strength training & fuel up properly!”

More Reasons Why Doing Cardio Before Lifting Is a Bad Idea

In another post, she reveals why doing cardio before lifting is a bad idea. “Many gym-goers swear by doing cardio before lifting. While it may seem like a good idea, here are some reasons why you might put strength training first,” she says. The first reason? “Fatiguing your muscles before lifting can limit your power, performance & energy,” she says.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Other Reasons?

Other reasons include reduced muscle gains, as “strength training relies on energy reserves, and cardio can deplete them too soon,” higher injury risk, “tired muscles = compromised form = greater risk of injury,” she says, slower progress, as “prioritizing cardio first may make it harder to progressively overload in weight training,” and decreased focus for form. “Cardio can leave you fatigued, making it harder to focus on proper lifting technique,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

5 Things Mom Didn’t Do to Lose 2 Pounds Per Week

Whitney Reyes workoutwithwhitney_
Copyright workoutwithwhitney_/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 16, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Are you trying to lose weight but aren’t sure what to do—or what not to do? One trainer has the answer. Whitney Reyes is a “fitness mom” and influencer who helps other moms lose weight and get in shape despite having very little time. In a new social media post, she gets real about some of the things she didn’t do to achieve her weight loss goals. “Here are the 5 important things I did NOT do while losing 2lbs per week,” she writes, adding that she ended up losing 30 pounds in three months as a “full time working mom of four.”

She Didn’t Starve Herself

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The first thing she didn’t do was starve herself. “In fact I feel like all I do is eat, even my kids make that joke—“oh mom’s eating again”😂 most nutrient dense and high protein meals like sweet potatoes & chicken are very low calorie so you can eat more of it and not rack up your calories,” she says.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

She Didn’t Do Tons of Cardio

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The second thing she didn’t do? Tons of cardio. “This is something that was widely promoted years ago in the fitness industry. HIIT ALL THE TIME. 5 mile runs a day. Recent science has shown that zone 2 cardio is the highest fat burning zone aka incline walking for 30 min!” she writes.

She Didn’t Cut Out Her Favorite Foods Completely

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She also refused to completely cut out her favorite foods. “Doing this leads to binge eating and isn’t even necessary. You can make room for your favorite foods in moderation. For example I will still eat in n out or pizza and ice cream but only once per week as a ‘cheat meal’” she writes.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

She Didn’t Spend Hours in a Gym

Blurred and cropped image of a beautiful young athletic girl in leggings and top crouches with dumbbells at home. Sport, healthy lifestyle.Shutterstock

She also didn’t spend hours in a gym. “Guys I haven’t been inside a gym in 4 years lol I’ve gotten in the best shape of my life with dumbbells and bands. It’s all you need,” she writes.

She Didn’t Skip Workouts Because of Hard Work Days

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The last thing she didn’t do was skip workouts because of hard work days. “I never skipped days bc work was stressful or hard that day. Doing this allows your brain to give into weakness. Show up ESP the days you don’t feel like it. Not only is it good for you mentally but consistency is the only way to see results,’ she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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