One of the reasons why it can be such a challenge to lose weight is because it's hard to put together a comprehensive exercise plan and even harder to stick to it. To tackle the challenge, work to develop a plan that makes you feel confident and that fits your schedule well. Include variety in your daily exercises, and always strive to be more physically active.
Create Variety
Vary your fitness plan with different activities each week. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a complete exercise plan should have aerobic, anaerobic and flexibility elements. Cardiovascular activities are effective at burning calories, but they're not as helpful at building strength or endurance. Anaerobic exercises such as resistance training and weightlifting will build and tone muscle, making your body look better at any weight. Stretching and flexibility exercises help prevent injuries, can improve your posture and will also help build muscle, which burns more calories at a resting heart rate than body fat.
Pace Yourself
Don't rush to lose a lot of weight as quickly as possible. Instead, start moderately and pace yourself. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that people who lose weight at a gradual pace of one to two pounds per week are more likely to keep the weight off in the long term than those who lose more weight at a faster rate. Even though it can be tempting to over-exercise when you begin a new fitness plan, ease into the plan and refrain from pushing yourself too hard at the start. As you build strength and endurance, you'll be able to work out more intensely for a longer period of time.
Fit Your Schedule
Develop a plan that you know will work with your schedule, no matter how busy you are or how little time you have for exercise. Several 10-minute intervals of brisk physical activity every day can be just as effective as one continuous 30- or 40-minute session, so don't skip the opportunity to work out even if you're short on time. When you create a plan that's tailored to your lifestyle, you're more likely to lose weight because it will be easier to stick with that plan for the long term.
Make a Change
Set a goal to be physically active every day, even outside of your exercise routine. The healthy living resource HelpGuide.org notes that leading a physically active lifestyle can improve your resting metabolism, meaning you'll have the potential to burn more calories even when you're not exercising. Exercise is great for your body and will accelerate your weight loss, but you'll lose even more weight if you make it a point to move more every day by taking the stairs, walking or biking instead of driving and standing instead of sitting. If you maintain a high level of physical activity even after you've lost weight, you'll stay healthier for life.
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