Many Americans are overweight or obese. Working out is one of the best ways to lose weight because it burns calories. Working out doesn't have to consist of the same boring thing over and over again. It can actually be fun, different and exciting, as well as effective for weight loss.
Vary the Intensity
One of the best ways to ensure weight loss from exercise is to do high-intensity interval training. The American Council on Exercise explains that high-intensity exercise involves alternating between short bursts of quick, intense exercise and longer, slower recovery periods. It can be done while running or even on an elliptical trainer or bike. This type of exercise can help you to burn more fat, by burning more calories, without feeling too exhausted.
Add Resistance
Another way to make your workouts more effective for weight loss is to add weight or resistance to the exercises. You can choose to dedicate a few days a week to strength-training exercises with weights like bicep curls, tricep dips and weighted squats. Another option is to bring weights into your cardiovascular workout, such as holding 5-lb weights while walking on the treadmill uphill. Either way weight training increases calorie burn and helps your body to lose weight more efficiently, since muscle mass burns more calories than fat, even at rest, according to the Mayo Clinic. Resistance exercises can also build bone mass.
Break Your Routine
One of the most common reasons why workouts are not effective is that they are boring and dull. Breaking your routine by trying a new type of physical activity can make things more interesting and increase your motivation and dedication. If you are used to jogging, try swimming. If you're used to the elliptical trainer, try cycling. Another way to break the routine is by listening to a different type of music, such as rock, pop, hip hop, rap or jazz, while exercising.
Keep Track of Progress
Fitness Magazine recommends recording your weight loss progress, as well as the exercises that you do, in a fitness journal. If you write down what type of exercise you did, how long you did it and how you felt, you can look back at your progress later on and use it to stay motivated. Recording your weight weekly can also make you more motivated to work out harder, whether in the gym or outdoors.
Member Comments