Exercise of all kinds is beneficial to anyone who wants to lose weight and shape up, or just generally maintain their weight and fitness levels. However, when exercising you build muscle and as muscle weighs more than fat, you may find the weighing yourself isn’t always the best way to judge how well your exercise is working. Taking your measurements could give a more accurate, rounded view of just how well you’re doing.
Having said that, listed below are some of the best exercises you can do to help you lose weight (and, of course, tone up):
Swimming – a great all round exercise which not only gets your heart pumping but also tones your body at the same time, burning around 800 calores per hour.
Cycling – fantastic aerobic exercise which also gets you outdoors. However, if you’re limited for time, or a fairweather cyclist, you can use an exercise bike indoors. And even distract yourself by watching the TV or reading whilst cycling. Before you know it you could have burned anywhere between 500 – 1000 calories per hour!
Running – excellent cardiovascular exercise which costs little to do – just a pair of decent trainers are needed. Running can burn some serious calories, up to 300 in just half an hour depending on the intensity of the running.
Step Aerobics – mainly targeting your legs, hips and bum, areas which most women want to work on. You can burn up to 800 calories per hour with this exercise.
Elliptical Trainer – if you’re a gym bunny, then jump on the elliptical trainer to get an all round body workout as this works your arms while also toning your legs and can burn around 300 calories in half an hour.
Rowing – good for cardio but also gives your arms a great workout and you can burn up to 300 calories in 30 minutes.
Walking – if you’re just beginning your diet and exercise regime, walking can be a good way to get out there and start getting fit before you feel ready to move onto any form of higher intensity exercise.
Or maybe try these fun activities where you won’t even feel like you’re exercising!
Skipping – remember those days in the school playground? Skipping is good for not just your heart but also for your bones, flexibility and co-ordination. And you can burn between 70-110 calories in a 10 minute session.
Dancing – put on some music you love (fast paced though, no ballads!) and dance around the room. You’ll be burning calories whilst having a great time! Depending on the intensity, 10 minutes of dancing can burn around 65 calories.
Play with the kids – whether your children or grandchildren, do something active with them such as playing football or trampolining. You’ll be setting them a good example while also doing yourself lots of good by burning those calories.
The best exercise is the one that’s right for you. Find something that you can incorporate into your daily routine, even if it’s ensuring you take a 20-30 minute brisk walk each day.
The key is to get active, and stay active!
