As a woman, you might be looking for a weight-loss exercise program that is engaging and inspiring. You might also be looking to find some exercises that target specific areas of your body in order to have sexy, feminine and proportioned curves. Know that the best way to lose weight is by getting your heart rate up through cardiovascular exercise at least three days a week. Consider the variety of options you have and complement your cardio with target toning exercises and a healthy, balanced diet.
Outdoor Cardio Exercise for Women
Feel engaged and refreshed by pushing your cardio workout outside. Consider walking, hiking, jogging or biking. Determine a route that is challenging but doable in length and intensity. Warm-up for at least five minutes. Increase your intensity and speed for at least 20 minutes. Spend at least five minutes cooling down in addition to stretching. For added incentive, make it social and ask a friend to join you. Wear proper gear and consider fun seasonal cardio like swimming in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. Increase speed, duration and intensity each week.
Indoor Cardio Exercise for Women
If you prefer your workout inside, consider the variety of options presented at a fitness center or in your own home. As with outdoor cardio, do a minimum 30-minute workout--five minutes for warm up and cool down with 20 minutes of peak cardio. Most aerobic classes and DVDs provide such a schedule and many are geared specifically toward women's fitness goals. If you prefer to use indoor cardio machines, try varying your use so that you do not get bored. Choose from the elliptical machine, stair machine and treadmill. You can also prevent boredom by listening to energizing music, watching a lively television program or envisioning the pounds melting away.
Target Toning for Women
In addition to cardio, consider the added benefit of toning. Target excess fat on your arms, upper back and chest through push-ups. Inverted push-ups target one of a woman's more challenging flabby areas, the triceps. For a feminine waistline, create a crunch routine with four basic directions. Lift your chin up, to the left, to the right and finally with your legs in the air, lift your hips up. Thighs and hips are also an area where women tend to carry fat. A leg lift routine will tone this zone in three basic directions: leg lifts forward, to your side and then behind you.
Additional Considerations
Consult your physician before beginning any new exercise routine. If you strain a muscle during exercising, report your discomfort to your doctor. Exercise in appropriate athletic gear to help prevent injury. In addition to exercises for weight loss, be sure to examine your diet and lifestyle. Drink plenty of water and include a lean, high-fiber diet that covers all five food groups. Consider measuring your target areas weekly as well as weighing yourself.
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