There is more than one way to skin a cat, but they are not all the same. The same goes for the elimination of body fat. Many of us reduce the problem to a question: “How can I maximize efficiency and minimize time?” Multiple methods and exercises should be considered when building any valuable fat loss workout, and some work better than others. Take a look at the 3 pillars of weight loss before setting up your own workout:
1.) Diet is decisive
Diet may not be on your gym checklist. However, eating healthy and proportionate is almost the most important part of any fat loss workout. While there may not be a “diet lift” at your local fitness club, if you’re not eating right, all the time you spend lifting weights, doing cardio, or any other calorie-burning activity just won’t matter.
There are two ways of approaching the diet: “eat well and eat little.” First, eat calories from all five food groups and make sure the food is healthy – that means no fast food! Eat light? Eat less than you normally would. The average person requires between 1,500 and 2,000 calories to fuel a resting metabolism. Eat 400-500 fewer calories each day and your body will draw on fat stores for energy. In this way, the fat slowly disappears.
2.) Weight training jobs
Lifting weights regularly reduces fat in two ways. First, the stress and strain your body endures during a 50-minute weightlifting workout burns calories; When you breathe hard and sweat it means your metabolism is elevated and you are now using more calories to maintain activity. Second, muscles need calories to maintain their shape. Essentially, even while working at your desk, your muscles are burning calories. So when you feel sluggish, your muscles are the complete opposite. And as an added bonus to the two ways you lose fat by toning your muscles, it looks better and better with every workout. Talking to a trainer at a gym is a good way to start your own weight training regimen. Trained professionals can help you decide what training is best for you.
3.) Cardio is essential
Cardiovascular fat loss workouts like running or walking burn fat faster than any other exercise. There are two schools of thought to tackle cardio, and each one is equally effective, it just depends on what you prefer. Good cardio is fast, like running several miles, or slower and longer, like walking or hiking for an hour or more. Each increases your heart rate and causes your body to burn calories, slowly making your body slim.
If you rarely engage in cardiovascular activities, a good way to start is by walking for half an hour every day and working from there. As time goes on, walk more, walk faster, and in the near future, you may just be jogging.
Go back to the original fat loss training question: “How can I maximize efficiency and minimize time?” Diet figures no matter what, and it is of utmost importance in determining your plan. Weight training, if you have three hours available each week, is simple and easy, and certainly efficient. And none of us don’t have half an hour to walk each day. So start small, work harder, and watch the fat melt away.