Exercise For Weight Loss

In an ideal world, we would we would lay down on the sofa watching TV all day while enjoying our favorite ice cream, and we would still manage to keep in shape. Unfortunately, such ideal world does not exist.

Elementary Math of Weight Loss

The difference between the amount of energy that we take in and the amount of energy that we use determines whether we gain or lose weight. In other words, if we eat fewer calories than we use, we lose weight. If we eat more calories than we use, we gain weight. As simple as that!

Eating Right and Exercising Should Be Done Together

A common pitfall that many dieters make is that they cut their calorie intake, but they maintain their couch-potatoing habits. Then, they go and complain that they are not seeing the desired results.

The most effective way to lose weight fast and to maintain the weight loss over the long run is to combine a healthy diet with regular exercise. Think about it this way. To burn a pound of fat, you need to get rid of around 3,500 calories. If you were to cut your daily calorie intake by 300, it would take you almost 12 days to achieve that. (Don’t be fooled. Anything beyond that is just water leaving your system). On the other hand, if you cut your daily calorie intake by 300 and exercise to burn another 200 a day, you will lose a pound of fat in just 7 days.  Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Plus … Exercise Reduces Stress

You will see a big difference in your mood once you start to exercise regularly. Furthermore, exercising keeps your metabolic rate up, which means that you will be burning calories even after your workout session is over.

Start Slowly

You don’t want to get over-motivated on the first day and try to run a marathon. This will only cause you injuries or get you tired of working out. Make sure you start slowly and gradually increase your exercise targets. For example, if you are a running beginner, start walking fifteen minutes every day at a speed that you feel comfortable with. Do that for a few days and then little by little increase your walking speed a bit. After a couple of weeks, try to combine it with some fast walking or with some jogging.

Tips for Exercising

Exercising does not have to be boring. Try convincing your best friend or your significant other to exercise with you and don’t forget to be creative with your exercise routines. Think about all the sports that you like and combine them. Also, create a playlist with your favorite workout songs. Exercising is always funner and easier with some music in the background!

So, what are you waiting for? Try adding some exercise to your diet, and you will be surprised to see wonderful results in a very short period of time.