What Are The Greatest Exercises To Lose Weight?

By Stephanie Wilkinsen

Quite a few areas of concern can create a host of problems for people today. Some of these are naturally occurring, and can't be helped. The best strategy is to learn to live with them. Other problems can easily be addressed and fixed through behavior modification. If you are suffering from being overweight, this is a problem that can easily be fixed with the right behaviors.

When you look at all the weight loss books and programs being sold today, you'll discover that they all boil down to two basic things. Diet, and exercise. This article will be focused primarily on exercise. With the right exercise plan, you'll be well on your way to easy success.

When you break down exercise, there are two different categories. Aerobic, and anaerobic. Aerobic largely burns oxygen and body fat for energy, and anaerobic burns stored sugars for energy. Aerobic exercises, or cardiovascular exercises as they are sometimes called, include running, cycling, walking, swimming, or any other exercise that lasts more than a few minutes.

What about strength training? Anything that requires a short burst of energy and then quickly leaves you out of breath. Weight training and wind sprints are two of the most popular.

So which are best for weight loss? The general consensus is that you need both. While cardiovascular exercise burns fat while you are exercising, it doesn't do much for you resting metabolism. That is where strength training comes in. When you increase your lean muscle mass, you increase your metabolism. That means you'll burn more calories during the entire day, even when you are sleeping.

Most people find a healthy mix is best. Do a couple days a week of endurance training, and do a couple days a week of strength training. Some even prefer to both every day, doing some body weight exercises in the morning, and having a brisk walk in the evening. Whatever you feel most comfortable with will work best for you. - 33373

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