Ask the Fitness Expert questions that you have been looking for when it comes to learning about fitness needs.

Chris Webb, our Fitness Expert, is highly trained and certified in CrossFit, Russian Kettlebells and Martial Arts. Chris is also the owner/instructor of CrossFit Underworld, located less than a block from I-35/Medical District and it is the largest facility of its kind in downtown Dallas.

CrossFit is the fastest growing fitness program in the world. Be a part of what pro-athletes, Navy SEALs, and everyday people are raving about. Increase your physical performance by 30-40% in just 12 weeks and start getting that body you have always wanted.

To submit your questions please fill out the form in the right column. -->

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Burst Training

Question:
I have heard about "Burst Training," but do not know much about it rather than rapidly moving through your workout. What are the benefits and non-benefits to Burst Training?
~ Jedi - Fort Worth, TX

Answer:
Jedi,
Burst training involves doing multi-joint exercises such as sprinting, squatting, jumping, pull-ups, lunges and overhead presses in sort intervals at a high intensity for 20-60 sec. with a light to moderate weight. Burst teaches you to never lock out your elbows or knees to full extension which in turn keeps the load on your muscles and not your tendons on joints. Workouts tend to be 15-30 minuets long.

Pros: By doing high intensity exercises your body burns more calories through out the day than by doing standard cardio for 20-40 minutes. Also by doing multi-joint exercises rather than doing isolation movements you are less likely to be injured during your workout, for you are in a natural state of motion.

Cons: By using light loads all the time and not lifting heavy, your bones do not benefit in growing thicker which helps prevents osteoporosis and has a tonic effect on the central nerves system. Also by not locking out to full extension you do not strengthen your joints or tendons and they will become weak over time that can cause a serious injury. -Chris Webb

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Working Out Sick

Question:
During this flu season, I was wondering if it is alright to work out with a cold or feeling slightly sick…will working out force the sickness to get better or worse?
~ Ramsey - Dallas, TX

Answer:
Working out with a cold good or bad idea?
Well there are two schools of thought on this subject. Some believe that working out while you are under the weather helps kick the cold much quicker. By releasing epinephrine "adrenaline" into your body you begin to feel less tired and rejuvenated but only for a short time. Plus it is good to get up and move stiff muscles and joints.

On the other side of the coin it is thought that you should make a full recovery before continuing on your workout program. After all inside your body there is a war raging as your antibodies are fighting an infection and this is very taxing on your body.

So which should you do?
I have tried both and have found a combination of both to be the best solution.Instead of doing your normal workout which will give you a burst of energy which is short lived and prolongs your sickness. Try doing something light such as Yoga that is not as strenuous on your body and releases enough epinephrine as well as loosen up tired and stiff limbs.

Wait about 3-4 days after your last cold symptoms before starting back to your normal workout routine. Thanks for you question Ramsey. -Chris Webb

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Working Out Sick

Question:
I have heard that cardio is the best way to lose weight, especially for the spare-tire section. Is this true?
~ Angel - Hurst, TX

Answer:
Angel,
The #1 way to lose weight is your diet. I would say 80-90% of loosing weight comes down to proper nutrition that includes lean meat, fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds. Stay away from comfort foods such as starchy carbs and cut sugar out of your diet. When it comes to working out to boost you metabolism into overdrive start doing high intensity workouts that last from 15-20 min with little rest instead of doing a low intensity workout for 20-40 min. Thanks for your question. -Chris Webb

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