If you're like many, you'd like to lose weight. Having extra pounds isn't comfortable, and losing weight can be difficult. Adding to this difficulty is not knowing what exercises are burning the pounds in the most effective manner. However, there are certain tried-and-true exercises that burn ample calories in no time. These can help you shed the pounds effectively and efficiently so you can reach your weight-loss goals.
Weight-Loss Basics
You can't target weight loss on one part of your body. To lose weight on any area of the body, you must lose weight overall. When doing so, you may start to see a weight reduction on your trouble spots, but it will be proportionate to weight loss on other areas of your body. To lose weight overall, initiate an exercise routine that includes of aerobic activities. These exercises will increase your heart rate and burn calories.
Running
According to CNN.com, running for 30 minutes burns around 370 calories. In addition, it works three of the top calorie- and fat-burning muscles in your body: your butt, legs and core. For maximum effectiveness when running, keep your body upright and your feet close to the ground. Also swing your arms close to your sides. For more burn, alternate between fast and slow speeds, and add hills or inclines.
Walking
Walking can burn 170 calories in 30 minutes and work the same muscles as running. It's also low impact, so it's not going to put as much stress on your knees and other joints as running. This makes walking ideal if you have injuries, are older or are pregnant.
However, simply walking at a leisurely stride won't work; you must walk at a brisk pace for caloric burn. This pace should be fast enough so that you have trouble maintaining a conversation. Take short, quick steps, and alternate between fast and slow paces.
Inline Skating
With inline skating, you can burn 425 calories in 30 minutes. The large caloric burn comes from the side-to-side motion needed to perform the exercise, which demands more work from your body than running. Skating also works your butt and thighs for optimum burn. Just like walking, inline skating puts less stress on your knees and joints, making it a safer choice than running. Skate using a strong, steady pace. Alternate between one minute of hard skating and one minute of strokes that at a medium pace. Wear a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards when skating.
Step-Ups
Step-ups work your butt and thighs, and can burn around 400 calories in a 30-minute session. Stand in front of a stair or bench. Leading with your right foot, step up to place your entire foot on the bench's surface. Bring your left up to rest beside your right. Step backward into the starting position by leading with your left foot. Bring your right foot to rest beside your left. This is one repetition.
Keep your abs pulled in and your back straight when performing step-ups. Note that form is more important than the height of the bench. Perform as many repetitions as desired, but stop when your form is compromised.
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