Most people want to lose weight. If you’re one of them, you’ve probably tried a lot of different ways to lose the blubber more quickly. Maybe you’ve tried a cheap diet plan or joined a fad-weight-loss web community. Or maybe you’ve tried a combination of those things.
Now, maybe you’re curious about the best workouts to lose weight. Are those the best workouts to lose weight?
Let’s look at the numbers to find the answer.
Participants Reporting Significant Weight Loss
According to the latest research findings from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), a lot of people are losing significant amounts of weight while participating in exercise regimens. The data come from the Society’s Dietary Intervention and Exercise trials, where participants’ weight loss was tracked over time. The trials typically included two groups: one coached by a sports scientist and the other encouraged to exercise on their own. In all, 2,600 adults across the globe participated in the Trials, which were conducted in 2016.
When it comes to weight loss, what do you need to know? Are you looking for scientifically proven ways to shed those extra pounds? Or are you simply interested in trying a new workout routine?
Regardless of your goals, read on. You might find that the workouts below can help you reach your desired weight.
Water Aerobics
Water aerobics doesn’t require special equipment, which is one of the reasons it’s such a popular choice among elderly people and those who can’t handle intense workouts. During the exercise, your body is immersed in water, which makes it easier to keep your body cool. Because the activity is relaxed and low-impact, it’s a safe choice for people with arthritis, back pain, or other chronic ailments. In fact, many large pools and lakes have set up classes for those who want to keep their active lifestyles as they grow older.
While some prefer to lose weight with a diet that restricts calories and carbohydrates, many others are finding success with alternative methods. As noted above, the benefits of water aerobics extend beyond weight loss. The coolant properties of the water are also helping to soothe those who are overheating during the activity. Whether you’re in a pool or lake, it’s a great place to get in a quick workout—especially if the weather is hot. You can also get a hydrotherapy treatment at the same time. It’s a win-win!
Rowing
If you’ve ever seen an episode of American Crime Story: The Roosevelts, you might have heard of the infamous ‘Treat Yo’self’ meal. That was President Theodore Roosevelt’s personal chef, who would prepare huge meals that would leave his guests (particularly his wife) full but also light on their feet. It was a regular part of Roosevelt’s day and one of the ways he managed to stay fit and active throughout his Presidency.
As it turns out, chefs have been preparing special meals for public figures for centuries. It began with the French court, where the members of the Royal family would eat whatever was written on the menu. That practice continued during the reign of Louis XIV, when meals written in French were served to the Royalists while those written in Italian were served to the Royalists. Naturally, this practice continued through the years, evolving with time.
Rowing is another great choice for people who want to lose weight. If you’ve never tried it, you might think that it’s a sport for the olympics. But it’s actually been around for centuries and was a common activity in the 17th century. In the late 1800s, rowers started using weight machines to help build strength and stamina. Since then, it’s become quite popular and is now classified as an “aerobic exercise,” which helps burn calories and fat while giving you a good workout. Simply put, it’s a great low-impact activity that requires very little equipment. If you can get the boat to your local pool or lake, you’ll soon be rowing away from boredom and towards weight loss success.
Surfing
Surfing isn’t just for the beach anymore. Thanks to the innovation of the inflatable kayak, surfing can now be enjoyed in the great outdoors. There is also a wide variety of gears and boards available to suit any level of expertise Whether you love surfing the beach or want to explore and find your perfect wave—getting out into the water is an excellent way to work out and enjoy the sport.
Kayaks are a great choice for people who want to lose weight. They’re light and allow for easy paddling. If you’re just getting used to them, consider using a kayak paddle rather than a regular one. It will make the activity more enjoyable and the workout more effective. Using an electric kayak paddle makes maneuvering them even easier. You won’t have to worry about getting tangled up in the cord like you would with a regular paddle.
Surfing is a great sport to enjoy in the great outdoors. It gets you moving and builds stamina while giving you an amazing view of nature. If you go kayaking or surfing regularly, you’ll soon start to see the weight loss benefits.
Stair Climbing
If there’s one thing that typifies Silicon Valley, it’s the rise of the health tech companies. Fuelled by the obesity epidemic, startups have emerged that allow users to track their exercise using their phone. Stair climbing is one of those exercises, and it’s been a huge hit in the wellness world. If you’ve never done it, it’s a good idea to give it a try. Like many other workouts on this list, stair climbing is a low-impact activity that’s great for people with joint issues or back problems. Some people prefer it to running because it feels like a workout without all the risks of going for a run. If you live in an area that gets a lot of precipitation, you can elevate your stairs to give you an extra boost of cardio when you climb them. It’s one smart choice for those who want to get a workout without having to leave the house!
Squatting
Squatting is another high-intensity workout that was made popular in part due to the influence of the YMCA. Just imagine for a moment if the YMCA invented the modern weight machine. That’s what would happen if they built the perfect squat machine.
Squatting is an excellent choice for people who want to lose weight. It not only works great for building lower body strength, which is important for anybody, but it also works great for shedding those last couple of pounds. Squatting is also one of the only workouts on this list that doesn’t require any equipment, which makes it ideal for people who want to do it inside their home. If you’ve never tried it, give it a go. It’s very popular and is easy to learn.
Elliptical Training
If you’ve ever seen an episode of American Horror Story: Apocalypse, you might have heard of the “Elliptical Death Trap.” That was the invention of Mr. Roarke, an elderly gentleman who spent his last days trapped inside an elliptical machine. What is an elliptical machine, you ask? It’s a cross between a stationary bike and a treadmill, allowing for some very unique workouts. It was originally designed for use by law enforcement and government agencies for training purposes. It provides a low-impact workout that doesn’t put a serious strain on the body’s joints. The key to avoiding aches and pains is in the correct form and use of the machine.
The elliptical training modality can be a good choice for people who want to lose weight. While you might not want to use it as your main workout routine, you can take advantage of its low-impact nature to ease some of your tension. It’s also great for people who want to get a workout and don’t have enough space for a whole gym. If you live in an area where the weather is good, consider getting an elliptical machine. They’re great for keeping fit and for helping to reduce your waistline.