1. Weight Loss Workouts Basics
Most of us realize that whether we like it or not we have to stick to weight
loss workouts if we want to shed those pounds the right way--the way that will
keep them off. But one common mistake that first-time dieters, or dieters who
are in the first couple of days of their diet, make is to diminish their food
intake too much while exercising.
Doing this will not allow you all of the energy you need in order to get through
your exercise. You'll tire too quickly to be able to follow through. Perfecting
the delicate balance of eating right (the right foods, and not too much or too
little) and exercise is what will get you to your goal weight.
Many diets suggest that you cut down (or even eliminate) carbohydrates from your
meals. However, you need carbohydrates for energy. Just make sure that you are
getting the right kinds of carbohydrates. They should come from foods that are
unprocessed and rich in fiber like whole grains, vegetables, fruit, brown rice
and potatoes. When you eat the right carbohydrates, you're getting all the
necessary fiber and other nutrients that your body needs. You also want to make
sure that you are getting enough protein and healthy fat (like olive oil, nuts,
seeds and fish oil). You should be eating three moderate meals and two snacks or
five small meals a day in order to have the energy needed to work out.
When it comes to working out, you need to first assess your status and determine
how in-shape or out-of-shape you are. You'll eventually want to incorporate both
aerobics (cardio training) and strength (resistance) training into your weight
loss workouts, but if you're just starting out, you need to start with one and
start very slowly. In your assessment, also take into account how much time you
can dedicate to your workouts and your preferences.
Then, take heed to a few general rules. If your goal is only to lose weight, you
can really concentrate on cardio activities. You should also do some strength
training to tone and raise your metabolism. But if your goal is also to build up
some muscle mass, you will need to focus on the strength training. If you're
going to put both aerobics and strength training in the same workout, do the
strength training first so that you don't use up all of your energy after the
cardio part. You can do five minutes or so of cardio for a warm-up before your
strength training. If you don't have any real specific goals except to lose
weight and just be healthier, just alternate days of strength training and
aerobics training. This ensures that you will get both in and takes away the
boredom of doing the same thing all the time. Also try to mix up what you do for
aerobic training and what you do for strength training in your weight loss
workouts.