I’ve been doing a lot of reading on this lately because I’m ready to introduce exercise back into my routine. And I’m not alone. I noticed there were tons of searches for What is Best Exercise For Weight Loss?
Unfortunately I’ve been unable to work out since early summer, and now that I’m feeling better lately… I wrenched my back and neck, putting me out yet again for the last few weeks. 😛
I saw my Chiropractor for the second time yesterday, and am finally feeling some relief! And I am SO ready to get moving again.
I really think exercise is going to be the key to break my Weight Loss Plateau and increase my metabolism. That plus drinking water, of course. The two combined should do the trick! 😉
What Did I Learn While Researching The Best Exercise For Weight Loss?
Quite a few things, actually! Here are the Top Five in my book:
- Any exercise is better than none! ALL “experts” seem to be in agreement with this one fact, if very few others.
- Shorter high-intensity workouts, or interval workouts, work best to increase your metabolism. It can even cause your body to continue burning calories for hours after the workout.
- Sustaining a good workout routine long-term is easiest when you find activities you ENJOY, and that fit into your current lifestyle.
I love a brisk walk with my Great Dane for example, or using something like a treadmill while catching up on my shows.
- If you work out too much, or push yourself too hard, you’re more likely to burn out on it both physically and emotionally. Working out too long can also increase your appetite, or cause you to increase the number of calories you consume to recover – resulting in less weight loss.
- Switch it up! Your body will quickly adapt to any “stress” or any routine that you create. If you run every morning, or do an hour of cardio every afternoon, your body will adapt – and you’ll STOP seeing results. The key to success with exercise is variety. Vary the intensity, length, time of day, and type of exercise regularly for the best results.
It’s not easy figuring out what is best. Exercise for weight loss is a big topic, with a lot of conflicting information. Ultimately, what I discovered is that you have to decide what is best for YOU – and any exercise at all is definitely better than none!
I much prefer physical activities that I ENJOY to “exercise.” Given what I’ve learned recently, I’m going to make a list of those things I enjoy most, and work them into my schedule on a regular basis – switching it up frequently.
Besides walking and hiking in good weather, and using my Gazelle (which is like a treadmill, but low impact and easier on my back), I really enjoy my Zumba DVD Set. I also like running or playing “hide and seek” with my Great Dane, which always makes for a fun quick workout! 😀 I enjoy the local aerobic classes too, and really liked Curves, but I haven’t made it a point to go regularly to either. After my research I’ll be less hard on myself about that, and go when I go, and otherwise mix it up with the other things I enjoy in between.
What about you? What’s your favorite exercise or activity?
I am a walker who dabbles at running and my favorite inside workout is my kettlebells – I bought a DVD program that helps me with those – great for a 20-30 workout when the weather won’t permit me to get outdoors π
Hi Gail! The kettlebell workouts AND running are both supposed to be one of the best for calorie burning and strength training. Good choices!
Well, you know I love my exercise! I workout 6 days a week about 30-60 min. each workout and do a variety (I should also probably say I’m not on the low carb diet). I do everything from spinning (indoor cycling), treadmill run/walk, elliptical, workout DVD’s (I just got TurboFire, so fun!) and most important to me is my focus on weights/strength. That is where it’s at! I could care less about the scale when it comes to numbers because inch loss means the most anyway.
My favorite workouts are boxing and spinning and HIIT (high intensity interval training)! But I will say if you have any type of health issue like back/neck, etc. HIIT is probably not something that would be best to do. You can easily tweak something and not in a good way lol
You always inspire me with your workout updates! π I love the variety you incorporate into your routine. I tend to be boring with both my meals and workouts, and variety is something I really need to work on. π
Lynn, I workout to a Cher video (made back in the 80’s) lol However I love it. She has 2. I’m doing the step workout (A New Attitude) I really like it. I do this at 5 AM 5 days a week. And I’ve recently added walking bout 3 miles 3 or 4 days a week. I was doing that 5 days, but have slowed down due to my schedule right now.
When you first start, you will notice 2 or 3 pounds gain, and that’s water that will be on the muscles. Temporary. Remember, muscle weights more than fat. π You WILL break your plateau.
Also, measure yourself, something I DID NOT do. I’ve noticed my weight loss in my clothes more than on the scales.
I too have had injuries. I pulled my knees, and am now working through it. It’s getting better though. You will feel so much better, both physically and emotionally. =)
I love some of the older workout videos! π Step is really good for elevating heart rate. And mixing it up with walking is smart. My research was eye opening about getting into too much of a routine – your body adapts to that pretty quickly.
I have to be careful though, I pulled/spranged both my knees this year, I did the same last year as well. However, they are healed. ( I think) lol I just have to watch myself really closely. I really think I’m doing a little too much for what I weigh, but it hasn’t stopped me. lol I like a lot of the Jane Fonda’s workout tapes too. =)
I hope you get good results with your workouts, the main thing is of course the warm ups and cool downs.