Though no one method of weight loss works for everyone, there are some standard rules you need to abide by to watch the pounds melt off. Along with eating right, one of these rules is following a suitable exercise plan. The best plan is one that focuses on your entire body and promotes a safe rate of weight loss.
Cardiovascular Workout
The best exercise plan for losing weight includes cardiovascular exercise. This form of exercise is also known as aerobic exercise and is identified by its ability to increase your heart rate. This burns calories and can result in weight loss when combined with a low-calorie diet. You need about 60 minutes of cardiovascular activity five times a week to burn enough calories to lose weight, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Exercises to try include jogging, power walking, running, biking, kickboxing and aerobics.
Interval Training
To add to your exercise plan, you can incorporate interval training. Interval training is used alongside your cardiovascular workouts to increase the amount of calories you burn per session. You use it while performing whatever your normal chosen aerobic activity is. So, if you normally ride a bike, you can ride at a moderate pace for one minute, then at a vigorous pace for 30 seconds. Drop back down to a moderate pace for a minute and ramp back up to a vigorous pace again for 30 seconds. Repeat this for the duration of your workout.
Toning Exercises
A well-balanced exercise plan for weight loss should also include toning exercises. One way to tone is to practice yoga on a regular basis. Yoga strengthens the mind-body connection and improves flexibility and muscle tone, which is vital for a healthy body. The improved muscle tone you get from yoga boosts your metabolism and makes weight loss go faster, and you'll develop a fit and toned physique that you can show off once the pounds come off.
Weightlifting
To round out your exercise plan, you can add in some weightlifting. Though lifting weights won't burn very many calories directly, building muscle mass does increase your metabolic rate, meaning you burn more calories when at rest. This can accelerate your weight loss considerably. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 20 minutes of strength training, twice a week.
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