You’re looking for a way to shed those extra pounds and maintain your perfect figure. Perhaps you’ve tried using a number of fad diets, only to gain weight back once the dieting frenzy ends. Or perhaps you’ve tried using exercise to lose weight, but didn’t get the results you were looking for. Has jumping (or running in general) been helpful in your quest to lose weight?
Let’s take a look, shall we?
General Considerations
Before we examine the specific ways in which jumping may help you lose weight, it’s important to consider a few general aspects of your pursuit.
Motivation
A major contributing factor to your weight gain may be a lack of motivation. Even if you’re physically able to exercise more than you normally do, if you don’t feel like it then why should you? Consider talking to your doctor about ways to increase your motivation so that you can get the most out of your exercise routine.
One way of increasing your motivation is by making your fitness goals more tangible. If you’re looking to shed some pounds, why not consider setting a weight loss goal? Setting a weight loss goal may be a good way to get motivated to work out more frequently. Of course, if you continue to set unhealthy goals (i.e. no food goals will help you lose weight, but setting a goal to eat fewer fats and carbohydrates may not be the best idea), then setting a goal may do more harm than good. Your weight loss goal should be based on your current situation and should be realistic.
Fitness Level
If you’re looking to shed some pounds, it’s important to consider your current fitness level. How well are you equipped to lose weight? Are you at a point where you need to step up your game or should you try something different?
If you’re looking to shed some pounds and feel that your fitness level is holding you back, try incorporating some form of cardio into your routine. The American Heart Association recommends doing at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week (i.e. not including your normal daily activities).
If you’re not equipped to lose a ton of weight (yet) then try incorporating some low-intensity cardio into your routine. Walking or riding a bike are both great options, as they don’t require a ton of energy. However, if you’re looking to lose a significant amount of weight then taking up running (or jumping) may be a better option. It’s important to note that if you’re jumping for exercise, then make sure that you’re doing something that builds up your stamina. Too many repetitions in a row (or jumps in general) may cause you harm, rather than good. You have to consider your body position while running and ensure that you’re not putting yourself at risk of injury. Talk to your doctor about ways to increase your stamina so that you can get the most out of your running activities.
Nutrition
Another important aspect of your weight loss journey is your dietary habits. How much of a focus do you put on your diet? Do you eat a nutritious diet or rely on fast food to get the nutrients you need?
It’s important to note that not all fast food is bad. Some chain restaurants, for example, serve nutritious options. Make sure that you’re aware of the nutrition facts before you decide which restaurants to frequent. Many chains may be bad for the environment, so try to avoid them if you can. If you need to eat out often, then look for restaurants that offer some vegan or vegetarian options. If you’re looking for healthier ways to eat, then focus on eating more fruits and vegetables.
Mental Reappraisal
As humans, we tend to focus on our physical appearance a lot. We frequently compare ourselves to others and come up short. If you’re looking to lose weight, comparing your progress to others may cause you to feel discouraged. Instead of comparing yourself to others, consider the fact that you’re doing something good for yourself.
When you compare yourself to others, you’re bound to come up short. You’re better than you think you are, and you’re making the right decisions for your body. Don’t get discouraged when your physical appearance changes for the better.
If you frequently compare yourself to others and feel discouraged when you don’t measure up, then you may be suffering from low self-esteem. Try to focus on the positive changes that you’re experiencing and remember that you’re doing something good for yourself. Your self-esteem will improve as you become more comfortable in your own skin. You’re unique, and you’re a miracle just the way you are. There’s no one else quite like you, and there’s no one else who can do all of the amazing things your body can do.
Sleep
How well do you sleep? Does your sleep improve with higher-intensity workouts or does it suffer?
Sleep is as important to your health as food is. When you don’t get enough sleep, you’re forced to make up for it with some weird workouts that aren’t beneficial. Consider how much sleep you need and make sure that you get it every night. You may be over or under-sleeping, which can have serious negative effects. Your doctor can help you find the right sleep intensity for you.
Exercise
Last but not least, we have exercise. Does exercise help you lose weight? Does it make you feel better overall?
There are many different kinds of exercises that you can do to lose weight. If you’re looking to get started, then here are some suggestions.
Walk
If you live in a town with decent public transportation, then taking the bus or walking are decent options for getting exercise. Walking is one of the simplest and easiest exercises to incorporate into your routine. All you need is a watch and some good shoes. If you want, you can even use a phone app to track your steps. There are many great apps to help improve your walking experience. If you’re looking to build up your stamina, then take it easy at first and work your way up to a brisk walk or a jog. Consider what shoes you need for each activity and have them in your closet. Changing your shoes can make a difference in how you feel while walking. You may need something to slow down your stride (i.e. running shoes) or something to increase your height (i.e. sky-walking shoes)
Ride A Bike
Riding a bike is an excellent way to get exercise. It’s low impact and allows you to take in the scenery. If you’re looking for something more structured, then consider taking a riding class. It may be a good idea to find a bike that suits your body size and weight. If you’re just getting started, then consider getting a tandem bike with your spouse or a friend. Riding in sync with someone else is a great way to get a workout without the stress of driving yourself. If you want to lose weight, then consider biking to work or school rather than driving your car. You may also want to look into e-biking, which is using an electric motor instead of your legs. This may help improve your overall calorie burn and allow you to shed some pounds. It’s a win-win.
Jog
If you’re looking for a more intense workout option, then consider taking up jogging. It’s a great way to get in some extra exercise and improve your overall fitness. If you’re new to jogging, then start out slow and work your way up to an easy pace. Jogging releases endorphins, which make you feel happier. It also increases your heart rate, so it makes your body work harder. Jogging is also a great option if you want to shed some pounds. Just remember that it’s more of a full-body workout and may require some time to recover from. If you want to lose weight fast, then don’t do any more than a simple jog around the neighborhood. Just make sure that you’re not overdoing it and risking injury.