Losing weight is one of the top reasons that people choose to improve their fitness. Not only will losing weight help you look and feel better, shedding those excess pounds can significantly improve a number of health conditions, including certain types of arthritis. Cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and many other facets of physical well-being can also be improved as a result of losing weight.
Substantial weight loss only happens when you reduce your calorie intake and increase levels of personal activity. Exercise not only helps people to reach a healthy weight, it also helps develop healthy muscles, improves the heart and lungs, and makes you feel good. When exercising to lose weight, there are a few particular strategies you should keep in mind.
Start Slow But Keep it Regular
Setting a goal to work out for an hour a day is not a sustainable solution. In fact, you might never even get past the first day or two. Instead, set a more reasonable time limit, perhaps 15 or 20 minutes, to spend in vigorous activity. Aim to repeat this short session five to six days a week. This will help your body adjust to a new way of being active. You will begin developing the strength and stamina required for longer, more intense sessions. Ideally, 30 minutes of sustained vigorous activity most days of the week should be your goal. This will help you reach your personal health goals more effectively.
Consider doing short fitness sessions more than once in a day. Ten minutes in the morning and fifteen minutes in the late afternoon will help boost your metabolism and give you lots of energy throughout the day.
What Exercises Are Best?
There is no single strategy that will help you lose weight quickly. Losing weight is a matter of combining numerous fitness strategies to their best effect. There are three important types of fitness to employ when losing weight:
• Cardiovascular activity: This includes anything that gets your lungs and heart moving. You can start with gentle cardiovascular activity such as speed walking or swimming. As your body gets accustomed to this new activity, opt for dance, jogging, aerobics, or fitness classes from a health club.
• Strength training: This will help build the muscles that will propel your cardiovascular exercises. If you like going to the gym, use some of the machines there to work major muscle groups. You can also use resistance bands and at-home strength training exercises that utilize your own body.
• Stretching: Make sure to stretch after any activity. This will help keep your limbs and joints feeling good while active.
Stick With It! No matter what your target weight might be, the best way to get there is to set a fitness routine and stick to it.
