Simple Weight Loss Exercise Plan

You don't need to buy elaborate workout clothes or run a marathon to lose weight. Shedding pounds by exercising doesn't require spending lots of money or working out endlessly. A simple, sensible exercise program that incorporates a variety of exercises done regularly should work for you. For best results, make sure a healthy diet is part of your exercise plan. You don't want to sabotage your success by overeating or making poor food choices.

Keep It Simple

If you haven't exercised before, getting started can be the hardest part. You may prefer joining a gym where staff members offer instruction and group classes provide social support. Or you may prefer outdoor activities, such as jogging or playing tennis or basketball. Even walking is an effective way to incorporate more physical activity into your life. Though the number of calories burned while walking depends on many factors, a general estimate is about 100 calories per mile, according to The Walking Site.

Be Realistic

Pick an activity you enjoy. Otherwise, you'll get bored or discouraged, and you won't stick with your program. For general good health, most adults need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, according to the Mayo Clinic. To lose weight, you'll probably need to add even more physical activity to your daily routine. Incorporating regular exercise into your lifestyle will also help keep weight off once you've lost those extra pounds.

Include Aerobic Activities

Any physical activity that involves large muscles and is done for an extended period of time is an example of an aerobic exercise. For instance, running, swimming, playing tennis and jumping rope are all aerobic activities. These exercises are good for your heart and lungs as well as promote weight loss, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Add Strength Training

Though aerobic activities will help you lose weight, you should also include strength training in your fitness routine. Building muscle is not only important for your general well-being, but it can also help you in your fitness program. Muscle burns more calories than fat, according to the Arthritis Foundation. In addition, muscle takes up less space than the same amount of fat. So, as you shed fat and build muscle, you'll lose inches.

Keep Going

It's normal to get bored or to lose motivation from time to time. So, try a few techniques, suggested by the American Academy of Family Physicians, to keep you moving. They include scheduling your exercise like any other important appointment, and keeping an exercise log. You can also try to exercise at the same time each day so that it becomes part of your routine. Or reward yourself with a massage or facial, or new workout clothes or shoes, when you hit certain goals.