Good & Easy Exercises for Weight Loss

Good and easy weight loss exercises involve body weight and the aid of several fitness devices. The key thing to take into consideration is that you like what you are doing. If you have to force yourself to do an exercise, it would fail to be easy. Exercises that are easy for you might not be easy for someone else. It is really a matter of preference in the end.

Power Walking

Power walking is a spin on the conventional stroll through the park on a sunny afternoon. This type of workout is easy, yet intense enough to form sweat on your forehead. Instead of walking at a slow, leisurely pace, increase your speed as you forcefully swing your arms up and down to chest height. By walking like this, you will boost your caloric expenditure while working your muscles with more intensity. For an added challenge, mix hill walking into your workouts. Feel free to perform power walking on an indoor treadmill if the weather is inclement.

Arc Training

An arc trainer has foot holds that you place your feet on and movable hand-held poles. It is operated by moving your legs forward and backward in an arcing motion while pushing the handles back and forth in unison. Not only does arc training burn calories, but it is relatively easy for all populations and it also works the upper and lower body simultaneously.

Jumping Rope

Jumping rope is performed by holding the ends of a rope, swinging it around your body and continually jumping over it. It does take some coordination, but once you have the basics, it is an easy form of cardio to factor into your weekly workouts. If you do not have a jump rope, you can simply place your hands at your sides and simulate the rope jumping motion by hopping up and down on your toes. If you want to challenge yourself, use a weighted rope and add in variations like single leg hops, crossover hops, double jumps and alternating foot jumps.

Water Aerobics

Impact is a common issue with people who have joint problems or are extremely overweight. Water aerobics solves this problem if you fall into this category. Once you step into a pool, you are buoyant and all the impact is taken away. During a water aerobics class you can expect to get your heart rate elevated, burn calories and build muscle all at the same time. This is done with the weight of the body and the aid of special underwater dumbbells. You can also walk, jog or run back and forth in a pool. The water acts as added resistance making you work harder.

Cycling

Cycling tones your butt and thighs, and burns calories. While sitting on the seat of an upright or recumbent bike, you can easily increase or decrease your pace by simply moving your legs faster or slower. A recumbent bike has a backrest and the pedals are out in front of your body. This would be the easier of the two types. If you are using an upright bike, turn the resistance up on the console and stand up while pedaling to increase the challenge.

References

Article reviewed by Lynda Moultry Belcher Last updated on: Apr 29, 2012

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