Regular physical activity is extremely important for good health, particularly if you are trying to either lose weight or maintain a healthy weight for life. The overwhelming majority of weight loss takes place due to reduced caloric intake. But recent studies show that the only true way to truly build sustained weight loss is to consistently be physically active. If you are not active, regardless of what you are doing, weight gain will eventually occur.
Cardio Exercise and Weight Training
Cardio exercise, or weight training as it is often referred to, is a wonderful method to increase muscle mass and improve cardiovascular health.
Many people believe that weight training should be avoided when trying to lose weight. This is a dangerous myth and really needs to be put to an end. In fact, weight training can be one of the most beneficial methods for losing weight when done correctly.
Weight trainers and fitness experts agree that weight loss can be improved by adding in exercises like aerobics, walking, running, bicycling, swimming, martial arts, yoga, and even weight training.
A large majority of these exercises can be performed at home without the need for hiring a personal trainer. The best exercises to start with are ones that burn the most calories. Once you have your calorie intake reduced the best exercises to include are those that use that energy to work the muscles.
For example, if your goal is to reduce weight, one of the best weight loss exercise plans is the treadmill. Walk briskly on an elliptical trainer or do a circuit training routine on a treadmill. Both aerobic exercises and cardiovascular workouts are great for burning calories, which helps you lose fat.
You may also choose to add in strength training exercises, such as push-ups, pull-ups, squats, or chin-ups to tone and sculpt your muscles.
Best Exercises for Weight Loss
Learn How to Swim to Lose Weight
One of the best exercises for weight loss that is often overlooked is swimming. Not only is swimming a fun workout but it can be used as part of a weight-loss routine. You can swim laps, speed workouts, and work on your freestyle or backstroke.
The great thing about swimming is you can use water from a running or weight lifting pool, which makes it a great way to get in shape during the summer months.
Walking can help you lose weight
Walking is also a great way to burn calories. However, if you are new to this type of exercise, it is a good idea to begin by using a low impact, low-stress method first.
This is especially true for people who are just starting out. Most people can lose weight by simply walking for one mile a day after about a week of weight training.
Cardio Exercises
Adding some cardio exercise to your weight loss routine is the best way to maximize your health benefits. Three times a week of steady aerobic exercise burns about 500 calories, doubles your metabolism, and helps you break through the plateau quickly.
If you are not familiar with aerobic exercise, it is the type of activity that gets your heart rate up and then slows down as you come to a stop. It is great for burning calories, building endurance, and helping you lose weight. You can do brisk walking, bike riding, jogging, or dancing for all of these three times a week.
If you want to find the best exercises for weight loss, you should consider getting a program like Interval Training. Interval training will help you build lean muscle mass and burn calories at a higher rate than traditional workouts.
Interval training includes cardio, strength training, and plyometrics, which help you get more energy throughout your workout and build muscle quickly. Check out more information on Interval Training for your weight loss goals.
