If you are a pre-teen girl, excess weight can be a sensitive issue. In addition to everything else going on in your life, you do not want to have to worry about not being able to keep up with your friends or do fun things because you weigh more. Find the exercises that work best and you will be on your way to having more self confidence to go along with your weight loss.
Cardio
As part of an overall exercise program, you need to include cardiovascular exercise. This kind of exercise works the heart and is what you think about when you think of walking, running, biking and hiking. The kind of cardio that you choose is not as important as making sure you pick something you enjoy doing. Even if you start with walking and decide you do not like it, that's fine, just move on to something else. Finding an exercise you like will increase the chance you'll stick with it. Do your chosen form of cardio for at least 30 minutes three to four days per week.
If you would rather join a sports team, that would count as your cardio. Teams are good because you'll be working out with other kids and be able to make new friends. The other good thing about being on a team is that you don't have to exercise alone.
Strength Training
Strength training is another important part of your exercise program. This kind of training will work your muscles in order to give your body more lean muscle mass. Lean muscle mass is important because you will be stronger and your body will be able to burn fat faster. If you are on a sports team, you will get some strength training in the form of push ups, lunges and other exercises that will build muscles but do not require you to use weights.
Although there are a variety of strength exercises you can do, ask your parents to find you a coach or trainer who knows how to train kids or help you find a class that is just for kids. That way you can make sure you are doing the exercises correctly, under supervision and without injury. Strength training should be done for no more than an hour, two to three days per week.
Exercise DVDs
There are times when you may want to exercise at home with a set of DVDs. Working out at home gives you some privacy and gives you another option if classes or sports teams are not available or in-season. There are a variety of DVDs you or your parents can buy that can teach you to exercise through dance, yoga or other methods.
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