Exercise Programs to Help You Lose Weight

Exercise Programs to Help You Lose Weight
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Weight loss requires time and dedication to see results fast. Knowing what workouts will help you reach your goals will save you time and wasted effort. Cardio training is one of the most effective ways to lose weight as well as lifting weights to promote a higher muscle to fat ratio.

Cardio

Cardio is essential to reaching fitness goals. Cardio not only burns calories but it also keeps your insides healthy. Different cardio activities will target your body in new ways. Running and jogging will not only get your heart rate up and burn calories but it will also tone your lower body. Swimming is another cardio workout that will scorch calories as well as tone the upper and lower body. Traditional aerobics classes like step, kickboxing and cardio classes will melt calories and also target all over body conditioning.

Interval Training

Interval training is a way to burn calories fast. Interval training involves short bursts of high-intensity work followed by a recovery period. These short bursts use the anaerobic system's burning more calories than traditional cardio. Jogging with intervals will melt fat fast. Two minutes jogging moderately followed by a 30-second sprint; keep the cycle going for 30 minutes for results. According to the American Council of Exercise, interval training is effective because you can change the intensity and duration to make it more challenging as your fitness level increases.

Circuit Training

Circuit training uses both cardio and strength to burn calories and shape the body. This kind of training is designed to keep you moving by only allowing you to take minimal breaks. The website Ask Men explains that circuit training is effective because you use your aerobic system while simultaneously using your strength. A circuit could include push-ups, squats, sit-ups and jumping jacks, all preformed in a row without rest or with very little rest.

Weight Training

Weight training will help to shape the body and build new muscles. The more muscle on the body, the more calories can be burned at rest. Lifting weights burns calories but the effects of new muscle will keep you burning calories far longer after your workout. When lifting, be sure to target all your muscles so your body is balanced in strength.

Effects

Training is essential to reach your weight loss goals. In order to lose a pound, you must burn 3,500 calories or an extra 500 calories a day. Varying your workouts will not only keep your body guessing but also keep your body gaining new benefits as well as burning calories.

References

Article reviewed by Mary Bland Last updated on: Sep 2, 2010

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