Most of us have heard of the wonders of running and walking for weight loss. But, did you know that you can actually combine the two sports to create a more effective fat-burning workout? Yes, it’s true! Research shows that high-intensity exercises combined with a light meal plan can help you to shed those extra pounds.
Add Some Variety
One of the best things about running and walking is that they are such broad-based exercises. This means you get a full body workout, but you don’t have to limit yourself to one activity. This makes it easier to fit in a workout as you progress in your weight loss goals.
If you’re aiming for a particular weight loss goal, it’s a good idea to look into various classes or types of exercise, so that you don’t get bored of the same old routine. For example, if you’re a runner and your goal is to lose some weight, you might want to try a cycling class or take up skiing. Both activities involve a lot of upper body strength, which is great for people with body type A, who have a high risk of obesity.
Make It A Game
Research shows that competition can actually boost your calorie burn during exercise, helping you to shed extra pounds. Scientists have coined the term “exercise addiction” to describe the phenomenon that some people experience when participating in competitive sports. This is because exercise is often such an integral part of their day that it takes on a semi-addictive quality.
However, being competitive does not necessarily mean you have to be engaging in aggressive behavior. You can compete against yourself, or you can play against a fictitious opponent, without the need for confrontation. The key is to find something that you can win, and that will give you a boost of confidence, while also serving as a distraction from the unhealthy habits that are stopping you from achieving your goals.
Add More Meals
If you’re looking to shed some pounds, you might be aware that food helps to provide the necessary energy for the body to function. Therefore, eating more calories than you burn will help to shed those extra pounds. If you want to create a more effective weight loss workout, you can integrate this fact into your routine.
As you reach your goal weight, you might want to consider increasing the number of calories you consume per day. It is important to note that this doesn’t mean going on a junk food bender or falling into a poor nutritional routine. Instead, find a way to incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your diet. This will help to boost your body’s nutrient levels, while also ensuring that you have the necessary energy to carry out your workouts. It’s a good idea to eat before you exercise, as you’ll soon find out when you’re hungry and when you’re not. This can make a difference in how effective your workout will be.
Alternate Your Workout Routine
It’s beneficial to change up your workout routine every few weeks, or even every week, to ensure that your body has a chance to fully adapt to the workout and continue burning calories, even after you’ve reached your peak. Research has shown that performing the same routine for longer than three months can actually result in a loss of efficiency, due to your body becoming too familiar with the exercise.
Sometimes the schedule won’t allow for a change of scenery, but you can simulate a routine interruption by taking a few days off from your workouts, or by varying them by adding in some low-intensity activities, such as swimming or biking. Just be sure that you gradually increase your activity level, or else you might experience an injury. Changing up your routine too quickly can actually do more harm than good, especially if you’ve been inactive for a long time and are not physically prepared for the extra effort required by the new workout. In this case, it might be better to take some time off, and then gradually increase your activity level, rather than risking injury by rushing back into a strenuous workout, without sufficient rest and preparation. It’s all about being smart and ensuring that you do the right thing for your body.
Consume More Water
Did you know that staying hydrated is essential when it comes to weight loss? Just remember to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and you’ll be on your way to a healthier lifestyle. Dehydration can lead to many health problems, ranging from tiredness and lethargy, to even more serious conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. If you’re not drinking enough fluids, it’s even more important to add them to your diet. You might want to consider drinking an abundance of water throughout the day, rather than relying on a single large glass before and after your workouts, as this can increase the likelihood of you becoming dehydrated. You should drink water even when you’re not feeling thirsty, as this will help to regulate your blood pressure and keep you healthy. Dehydration can also lead to unnecessary weight gain, as your body will try to make up for the lost fluids by storing more fat. So it’s important to stay hydrated, both while you’re losing weight and once you’ve reached your goal.
In addition to staying hydrated, you should also be making sure to wash your hands before and after every workout, as this will help reduce the bacteria that is present on your skin. Some studies have shown that high-intensity workouts, where you raise your heart rate considerably, can result in you losing significant amounts of hand sanitizer. This is because bacteria, such as staph aureus, can live in abundance on unwashed skin, especially around your nose and mouth. In these areas, bacteria can quickly multiply, leading to infections, such as pneumonia, which, if not treated promptly, can be fatal. So, by keeping your hands clean, you’ll reduce the risk of catching an infection.
Many people think that food comas are something that happen to other people, whilst they sit at home, recovering from surgery. Sadly, this could not be further from the truth. If you’re reading this article, then it’s very likely that you’re already aware that food comas are a real phenomenon, and you might even be experiencing one yourself. Sometimes, all it takes is a little mental preparation and a change in your daily routine to ensure that you become more conscious of what you’re eating, and how your body uses the food. That’s why this article exists; to help inspire you to make the changes needed to begin your journey to healthier living.
Walking Is A Great Cardio Workout
Walking is an excellent form of cardio, and most of us could do it quite easily, if we really wanted to. The problem is, we don’t often do it, because we consider it to be a mundane, lazy form of exercise. Did you know that walking is the simplest, most natural form of cardio, requiring little to no equipment and very little to no previous exercise experience? All you need is a good pair of shoes and some walking clothes, such as shorts and a t-shirt. This is why walking is such a valuable exercise for beginners; it requires very little equipment and no previous fitness experience. Most importantly, it’s incredibly easy to do and accessible virtually anywhere, so you might find yourself doing it as a day-to-day activity, without even thinking about your weight loss goals. This is why it’s important to integrate walking into your weight loss regime, even if you’re not entirely sure what it is that you’re supposed to be losing. Begin by taking it easy at first, perhaps taking a walk after work, or around the neighborhood, to get your body used to the activity. Gradually, increase your intensity, until you find your own natural pace and begin to enjoy the workout. If you’re looking for a low-cost and accessible way to get rid of those extra pounds, then consider incorporating more walking into your routine, even if it’s not always easy to find the time for it. Just take a look at our product reviews to see what kind of footwear and clothing we recommend. You’ll find that most of the products we review are suitable for walking, so you’ll have no trouble finding the equipment you need, once you’ve made the decision to start walking regularly.