While the recommended daily amounts of walking, running, and swimming vary between bodies, experts generally agree that moderate exercise is good for weight loss. However, what constitutes a “moderation” change depends on various factors, including your height, weight, and activity level. With that in mind, let’s examine how much exercise you need to get results:
The Amount of Exercise You Need
In general, experts suggest that adults should do a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to see results. One study found that increasing daily MVPA by just 10 minutes would result in weight loss equivalent to that of a 1-month dieting program.
As a general rule of thumb, if you want to shrink your waistline, you should aim to increase your metabolic rate through regular, active exercise. According to the American Institute of Stress, aerobic exercise has been shown to improve both mental and physical well-being. The list of benefits is seemingly endless; just try it and see how much more enjoyable life is when you’re active!
The Perfect Workout Routine
In addition to the amount of exercise you need, you should also consider the type of exercise you need to lose weight. If you’re looking to shed more than a few pounds, you should consider doing some type of workout routine that is specifically designed to help you lose weight. For instance, weight training improves muscle mass and boosts metabolism, both of which help you burn more calories even when at rest. On the other hand, running isn’t the most efficient way to lose weight; it can be tiring and stressful on the knees, and it doesn’t provide much in terms of strengthening the muscles. Instead, you should try swimming or biking, which are both great for weight loss and for strengthening your muscles.
The Best Time to Workout
Depending on your schedule and the nature of your work, it’s best to workout either early in the morning or late in the evening. If you’re unable to squeeze in a full workout session in the morning, do it as soon as you get up, right when you wake up. Later in the evening, after work and school, is usually best. This is usually because people are less active at this time, so it’s easier to workout without being overwhelmed by physical activity. Working out at night also allows you to work it off and be less likely to ‘overdo it’ and eat more.
Exercise timing is also important because some workouts are better absorbed by the body if you do them immediately before or after a meal. For example, eating carbohydrates in the form of pasta or pizza can cause your blood sugar to go up, which in turn increases the chances of you feeling hungry. When this happens, you might want to consider skipping the carbs and going for a walk instead, which will help you lose weight without any distractions.
The Importance of Relaxation
You should also consider incorporating relaxation into your workouts. There are several ways to relax while working out, such as taking a short break or walking around the block. Even just sitting and taking a break after completing a tough workout can reduce the body’s cortisol level, which in turn lowers your stress levels and allows you to get back on the right track.
Sometimes we get so absorbed in our workouts that we forget to relax. While working out regularly is important for shedding pounds, it’s also essential to take time for yourself. Make sure that you’re not overtraining and that you’re still finding time to relax and take a break.
Considerations For Those Who Need To Lose Weight
If you’re looking to lose weight, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, pick an activity you enjoy and can stick with. If you’re doing it for health reasons, consider how you’ll measure your progress. Second, find a gym you can attend where people are friendly and won’t make you feel self-conscious about your body. Third, eat healthy foods and cut out the ones you know you shouldn’t be eating. If you do indulge in a doughnut every now and then, it’s not going to hurt you, but it’s certainly going to be more than a little bit bad for your waistline. Finally, make sure you drink lots of water and stay hydrated, as dehydration can lead to health problems. With that in mind, working out at the gym should be fun and rewarding, and help you shed that extra weight you’ve been longing to get rid of.