Simple Exercise to Lose Weight Fast

Simple weight loss exercises are ones that do not require complex movements, and you can do them without having to force yourself. This means they are enjoyable. Just because they are simple, it doesn't mean they lack intensity. If you are new to exercise, anything you do will feel intense, elevate your heart rate and cause you to break a sweat. This is what you want to lose weight quickly. Make sure you exercise long enough to get the best results. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 60 to 90 minutes daily of physical activity for weight loss.

Biking

Biking is not only simple, it is also low impact. This makes it a valuable type of exercise if you have joint problems. If you suffer from lower back pain, utilize a recumbent bike. These have a bucket seat with a backrest, and the pedals are out in front of your body. It doesn't matter if the bike is a recumbent style, upright exercise bike or outdoor bike, make sure your seat is set appropriately for your body size. When you extend your legs, your knees should have a slight bend in them.

Water Aerobics

Water aerobics takes place in a swimming pool, and it is done in a group atmosphere. This type of workout causes you to burn calories and build lean muscles with the aid of special underwater dumbbells and movements of your arms and legs. Not only do you burn calories, but you also increase your aerobic capacity, and you get to do it without any impact on your body whatsoever. This makes water aerobics especially beneficial if you have arthritis or some other joint condition.

Fast-Paced Walking

Walking in general is a simple and effective form of cardiovascular exercise. Along with the caloric expenditure, you also improve your mood, decrease your disease risk and tone muscles in your lower body. To turn your caloric expenditure up, alternate your pace back-and-forth from high-to-low intensity throughout the whole course of your workouts. This is called interval training, and it can increase your caloric expenditure. If you live near hills, incorporate them into your workouts as well.

Jumping Jacks

Jumping jacks are basic calisthenic exercises that burn calories and involve movement of your arms and legs at the same time. Because of this multi-movement pattern, your heart rate becomes elevated quickly. They are performed from a standing position with your arms at your sides and feet together. Quickly spring into the air and spread your legs out wide as you swing your arms above your head. As soon as your feet land, reverse the motion to get back into your starting position and repeat in a steady motion. To increase your intensity, strap on ankle and wrist weights.

Elliptical

Elliptical training works your upper and lower body at the same time. This may lead you to believe it is difficult, but that's the case. Once you place your feet on the movable foot pedals, they remain there for your whole workout. This makes elliptical training a low-impact form of cardio. When training on this machine, you burn calories, tone your muscles and increase your aerobic capacity without lifting your feet off the pedals. To perform elliptical exercise, move your legs back and forth in a gliding motion as you also move poles back-and-forth. Imagine you are cross country skiing. To increase the intensity, turn up the resistance by hitting the right button on the console. You can operate the machine in reverse for a variation.

References

Article reviewed by Helen Covington Last updated on: Sep 11, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments