I’m sure many of you have heard about the Atkins diet, also known as the ‘strict low-carb’ diet’. Popularised by the US physician Robert Atkins in the 1950s, this diet involves a huge reduction in carbohydrates, with an emphasis on lean meats, fish, and veggie alternatives. While this way of eating may have been good for Atkins and those who followed his advice, it has been criticised for being unsustainable and causing malnutrition.
If you’re looking to drop some weight fast then you’ve probably tried to do it on a low-carb diet, but if you’re not used to relying on carbs for energy, you may have found it hard to maintain.
The Best Exercises for Losing Weight
So, what’s the best exercise for losing weight? There are several different approaches you can follow, depending on how much weight you want to lose and how quickly you’d like to lose it. We’re going to run down the top six exercises that experts agree is the most effective for strengthening and losing muscle mass.
Weightlifting
If you’re looking to shed some pounds rapidly then you’d be best served by weightlifting exercises. This type of activity encourages your body to break down its own protein and store it as muscle mass, which is why it’s been referred to as ‘metabolic exercise’. While you may lose a little bit of weight during the initial stages of your weightlifting workout, the real benefit comes from the fact that it burns calories and builds muscle. There are several popular weightlifting workouts, such as the popular Benchmark program from the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
Running
If you’ve tried to lose weight in the past and failed then you’re going to be best served by engaging in cardiovascular activities. This includes things like running and biking, among others. Cardiovascular exercises strengthen your heart, which in turn pumps more blood throughout your body, providing more cells with oxygen and nutrients. Studies have also shown that cardiovascular workouts can encourage your body’s natural detox process, getting rid of toxins faster than usual. The downside to this type of exercise is that it depends on how active you are, so those who are not very sporty are better off avoiding it.
Boxing
Boxing is one of the most popular sports that involve physical activity and it’s easy to understand why. The human body is naturally designed to engage in this type of workout, as it requires you to use your arms and legs in order to throw and hit objects. Like with running, the great thing about boxing is that it forces you to use many muscles, which helps tone your body and improve your overall health. This type of workout is a great choice for people who want to target certain muscles or areas of their bodies, causing them to change shape and tone. One of the best things about boxing is it’s versatility. While it may require you to pay for regular classes or private lessons, it’s possible to do it alone in your home. If you’d like a full-body workout, but don’t have the time to do so, then boxing is a superb option.
Swimming
Another great way to lose some weight is by engaging in aquatic activities, such as swimming. In fact, many people choose to swim rather than eat as a way of losing weight, as the former burns calories while providing your body with essential nutrients. Just make sure that you check with your doctor to ensure that this is the right thing for you, especially if you’ve been inactive for long periods of time. There are several benefits to swimming, including weight loss, increased metabolism, and muscle relaxation. Just make sure that you don’t overdo it and injure yourself. One of the main reasons why swimming has become such a popular form of exercise is because it’s easy to do. All you need is a pool and you’re good to go. No gym required.
Tennis
Many people incorrectly believe that tennis causes you to eat more, which is why it’s often seen as a ‘poorly’ performing activity when it comes to weight loss. However, tennis actually encourages you to eat well, by requiring you to move around while playing and get your body active. The great thing about tennis is it forces you to use many muscles and stay coordinated, helping you maintain healthy weight throughout the year. Just make sure that you focus on staying hydrated and eating the right foods, as this will help improve your performance and lower your body mass. If you play regularly, you’ll notice that your energy levels will increase each time you step on the court, meaning that it’s a perfect workout for those who want to shed some pounds.
Kayaking And Stand Up Paddling
Kayaking and stand up paddling are two other aquatic activities that have become immensely popular in recent years, due to their health benefits. Just like swimming, kayaking involves using your arms and legs, while standing up paddling requires you to use your entire body. Similar to swimming, kayaking and stand up paddling discourage you from lying down on the couch and deprives your muscles of the required recovery time. During your recovery period, your body will repair and grow, meaning that you’ll have to keep going back for more sessions. The great thing about these types of exercises is they’re a full-body workout. Just make sure that you practice safety and obey any regulations set by the government and local kayaking authorities. If you’ve never tried either one of these activities, then now’s the perfect opportunity to give them a go. Just remember to maintain a safe distance from the other kayakers in case there’s another accident.
Biking
Biking is a form of cardiovascular exercise that involves riding a bicycle. This type of workout can help boost your metabolism and encourage weight loss, as long as you do it frequently and follow the rules of the road. Just make sure that you watch what you eat and drink, as excess calorie intake and dehydration can result in serious injury or death. The great thing about biking is that it’s accessible to anyone and requires little to no equipment to practice. If you live in a place with good weather, you can use it to get out into nature and connect with your surroundings. Biking is also an excellent form of transport for those who want to get some exercise and don’t have access to a car. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in large cities and commutes to work everyday. For those who want to lose weight, biking is a great option as it’s easy to do and allows you to take your own personal route to work, preventing you from wasting any time at all on the way there.
Jogging
Jogging is another type of aerobic exercise that encourages you to use your body’s largest muscle groups, including your heart and lungs. Like with the other forms of exercise mentioned so far, jogging promotes weight loss and improves overall health. It’s also one of the best workouts for reducing body fat percentage and increasing muscle mass. Similar to running, jogging also requires you to use many different muscles and have good balance. This helps improve your body’s strength, making you capable of lifting heavier weights and doing more workouts. One of the reasons why jogging has become so popular is because it’s one of the best workouts available. It not only encourages weight loss, but it also builds muscle and gives you a great feeling of accomplishment. Just make sure that you wear proper running shoes and clothing, as this will help improve your experience and lower your body’s risk of injury. If you live in a place with good air quality, then this is the perfect opportunity to get outside and connect with nature. You may also want to consider taking up jogging as a way of connecting with and staying motivated by your surroundings.
Rowing
Rowing is one of the oldest forms of aerobic exercise. It involves using your arms and back muscles to push or pull a boat, providing you with a full-body workout. Like in running, rowing encourages you to use many different muscles and stay coordinated, helping you maintain healthy weight throughout the year. Just make sure that you do it on a body of water and avoid any dangerous currents or undertows, as this can result in serious injury. One of the great things about rowing is that it’s easy to understand and follow, even for those who’ve never done it before. This makes it ideal for weight loss and for those who want to get fit for that upcoming winter holiday. In addition to the health benefits, rowing is also a great way to connect with nature. Try it today and see how it feels!