While a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are two important components to keep your weight in check, regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to burn calories. The Online Health Guide references cardio exercises as the best type of exercise to help lose weight quickly.
Consult a physician before starting any fitness program.
Climb Stairs
"Men's Total Fitness" magazine recommends stair stepping as an aerobic exercise that burns a large number of calories. Stair stepping puts little stress on your body. "Men's Total Fitness" reminds exercisers to stand up straight and support your own weight when working out on a stair stepper, rather than resting your weight on the machine. Hold on to the rails for balance only.
Most gyms have stair steppers, or you can incorporate one into your home gym. If you are on a budget or don't have room for a stair climber, climb steps in your house or in a public stadium.
Interval Training
Interval training is a popular type of workout for people who want to burn a lot of calories and like variety. The Mayo Clinic describes interval training as mixing short intervals of intense activity with bursts of light activity. If you like to jog, run at a moderate pace for a few minutes, then sprint for one minute before slowing down for a few more minutes moderate jogging, then keep repeating the cycle for a period time, such as 30 minutes. You can also do shorter periods of intense activity on different pieces of equipment in a gym. The Mayo Clinic says increasing intensity for even a few minutes sporadically will help you burn more calories.
Cross-Country Skiing
If you live in or near cold weather, cross-country skiing is an effective way to burn calories and get some fresh air in the winter months. If you are starting to learn the sport or if you aren't familiar with the trails in your area, join a ski club or team. Exercising with people who have similar interests and abilities may help motivate you.
Step Aerobic Dance
"Shape Fit" magazine recommends step aerobics as a high-intensity workout that can burn about 400 calories in half an hour. This type of aerobic dance works your legs, glutes and hips. If you don't have access to a step aerobics class, other types of aerobic dancing are effective in burning calories as well. You may want to try hip-hop aerobics, aerobic kick boxing or hi-lo aerobics, which features a fast-paced type of dance.
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