Losing fat requires that you burn more calories than you consume. To accomplish this, people often reduce their calories to unhealthy levels, thinking they can starve the fat right off. Tweaking your diet, however, isn't the only way to effectively drop pounds. Cardiovascular exercise and resistance training both offer fat-burning benefits.
Resistance Training
Although cardiovascular exercise is typically believed to be the big calorie burner, resistance training can burn off just as many calories and sometimes more. Follow a resistance training program that included free weights, varied intensities and compound exercises. Switch between barbells and dumbbells to keep your body from adapting and switch your reps and sets every few weeks. For even more efficient fat burning, follow a circuit training program. Circuit training consists of six to eight exercises performed one after the other without rest. When the entire set of exercises is finished, take a short rest and repeat the circuit. Maintain a balance of both upper and lower body exercises.
Traditional Cardio
Cardiovascular activity performed on the many machines available in today's gyms is the norm. This traditional cardio includes the treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike, stair stepper and rower. These machines are high-tech and provide you with the amount of calories burned and your heart rate. Additionally, adjusting speed and difficulty requires only the click of a button. They are both convenient and effective when it comes to fat loss.
Unconventional Cardio
If you're sick of the traditional cardio exercises, then head outside and change it up. Instead of running on the treadmill, try some trail running or hiking in a park. If the stationary bike is getting old, grab a mountain bike and hit the woods. If bad knees are preventing you from burning the amount of calories you want, hop into a kayak and paddle your way around a river, lake or even ocean. Outdoor activities like these, as well as all sorts of sports, offer great opportunities for fat loss and allow you to win back some of your sanity.
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