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Mar 17, 2011

Fat Burning Workout Routines


Fat Burning Workout Routines
If you really want to give that annoying body fat the ol’ one, two punch, then along with a proper diet you must workout. But, with about a gazillion different exercise routines to choose from how do you know which one is a good fat burning workout.
The answer is simple – any workout that you enjoy doing! If you enjoy your workout you are more likely to do it and more importantly stick with it for the long run.
To get the most fat burning effect out of your favorite workouts it’s a good idea to follow these simple tips:
Be consistent – It seems like a no-brainer that consistently working out will help you burn more calories, which is the key to burning fat, but it’s also extremely important for weight management.
Mix in resistance exercise with your cardio – Resistance exercise, or weight training, does several things: it helps preserve muscle mass when dieting, helps keep your metabolism high and helps you burn more calories.
Vary your workout plans to constantly stimulate your body and keep things interesting.
If you are just starting out, then it might not be a good idea to jump right in with a high intensity program.  Instead ease yourself into a simple, calorie burning exercise routine and slowly progress.  Walking is a great way to start!  It is low impact, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere and anytime!  Check out our guide to walkingfor weight loss for some excellent tips to get the most out of your walks.
Once you feel more comfortable with working out and want to step it up a little then it’s time to try something a little more intense.  Your options are limitless, but here are a few popular fat burning workouts:
Interval training – This consists of short bouts of intense exercise followed by a brief recovery period and then repeated.  For example, run on the treadmill at a fast pace for 1 minute, then bring it down to a walk for 30 seconds and repeat this cycle 10 times.  Studies have shown that interval training burns more fat and can have the same effects as doing longer, sustained physical activity such as jogging for an hour, but in half the time!  Mix this with 2 – 3 days of resistance training per week and you will have a complete fat burning workout.
Tabata Training – This is a high intensity interval training workout that takes just 4 minutes to complete.  But, don’t let the short time fool you.  If performed correctly, it will be the most grueling 4 minutes of your life!  Developed by by Dr. Izumi Tabata, these intervals consist of bouts of extremely intense exercise for 20 seconds then rest for 10 seconds and repeat this 8 times for a total of 4 minutes.  For example, you could climb on an elliptical and push yourself as hard as you possibly can for 20 seconds, then completely rest for 10 seconds and repeat this 8 times – remembering that it’s extremely important to go all out during each 20 second period.
Zumba – If you don’t want to have to create your own fat burning workout then try one of the extremely popular home dvd workouts like the Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation DVD’s or P90X, which I describe below. Zumba is great for those who love to dance or would like to learn how – all while getting a great workout.  It’s a great way to spice up boring old workouts while performing a variety of Latin dances like the Salsa or the Cha Cha.  Zumba is great for all levels of fitness, whether your new or advanced.
P90X – Arguably the most popular fitness DVD set on the market in the last few years!  The P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program is an intense full body fitness routine that claims to eliminate your excess body fat in 90 days.  If you’re just starting out then you might find P90X to be extremely difficult.  But, it is a great program and has helped literally thousands of people burn off fat!
Local Gyms – Most local gyms have exercise classes that you can sign up for.  Just stop in and explain to them your fitness level and goals and they should be able to set you up with the right class.
The most important thing to understand is that to burn fat you have to work for it!  Start slow and try to do a little more each time.  With the right diet and consistent exercise you should to start to see the fat melting off in no time!

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