Facts on Exercises for Losing Weight

1. Engage in Rigorous Exercises for Faster Weight Loss

The harder you work, the more calories you burn. The difference between bike racing and leisurely bike riding is a good example. Cycling more than 20 miles an hours burns 1,126 calories per hour, while peddling at less than 10 mph burns 281 calories in the same amount of time. Running 8-minute miles takes 880 calories an hour, while the runner clocking 12-minute miles burns just 563.

2. Cardiovascular Workouts Are Key

You need to use your large muscles (think: legs) and bring up your heart rate to get the most out of your workouts and burn the most calories. While it's debated, most fitness experts agree that yoga doesn't qualify as a true cardiovascular exercise because the heart does not work as hard in yoga poses as it does in running, swimming and biking. Also known as aerobic exercise, cardiovascular efforts continually bring oxygen to the muscles, strengthening them and helping your body become stronger as a whole.

3. Get Regular Exercise

Sporadic attempts at exercise to lose weight won't help you much in the long run (although a little exercise is better than none!) It's important to have a regular, consistent exercise routine, working out 3-5 times a week, every week. The habit of regular exercise is your best defense against excess weight. And once you make it part of your routine, it's surprising easy to stick with it.

4. Eat Right

If you're still eating more calories than you're burning, you won't lose weight, no matter how many exercises to lose weight you do. You need to have a good diet in addition to your exercise regime in order to lose weight. You should consume less calories than what you burn each day to shed the pounds. Make simple dietary changes (drink water instead of soda and snack on fresh veggies instead of chips) to compliment your exercise routine and help you lose weight faster.

5. Have Fun Exercising

What do salsa dancing, rock climbing, ice skating, belly dancing and pick-up soccer have in common? They are all fun ways to lose weight while you enjoy recreation with others. How effective they are depends on the effort you put into it ? if it feels like you had a workout after you're done, it was! And best of all, you probably won't notice the workout aspect because you'll be enjoying yourself so much.

Last updated on: Aug 11, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments