You’ve decided to lose weight and you’re determined to take on the world. That’s fantastic! We’re confident that you’re going to succeed. However, it takes some careful planning to ensure that your weight loss program is as efficient as possible. To help you make the most out of your training sessions and routines, we’ve put together a guide on how to create a workout plan to lose weight.
The Basics
While there’s no denying that running, biking, and swimming are all fantastic ways to lose weight, it’s not the only option out there. If you’re looking to shed those extra pounds, it’s a good idea to consider all of your options, not least of which is a workout routine. Now, we’re not suggesting that you run roughshod over your schedule or obligations – far from it! We’re simply suggesting that you make the most out of your time while acknowledging that this is a serious commitment that requires serious planning and motivation.
As a starting point, here are some basic pointers on how to create a workout plan to lose weight.
Pick A Routine
Regardless of whether you’ve decided to lose weight as part of a new year’s resolution or you’ve decided to take up a routine to shed those extra pounds, you’re going to need a workout routine. While there’s certainly no rule that says you have to do muscle-building and weight loss exercises together, it’s a good idea to structure your plan around a healthy blend of the two. Here are a few suggestions for routine choices:
- Short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by short rests
- Longer workouts with periods of rest
- Toss the rules and pick what works best for you
- Try a new routine every week and keep it fun
- Do not overdo it – take it easy the first few weeks
Ultimately, it’s up to you what type of routine you want to follow. However, if running is something that you enjoy, there are plenty of courses out there that allow you to lose weight while running. The same goes for cycling and swimming. If any of these activities are part of your normal routine, taking them up a notch or two will definitely help with your weight loss goals. Try out a few options and see what works best for you.
Set A Timetable
Now that you have your routine, it’s time to set a timetable. This is particularly important if you’re working outside of the home, as there’s rarely an audience to remind you to stick to your workout schedule. If you have a regular workout routine, such as a gym membership, it’s easy enough to make sure that you stick to it. However, if you find that working out at home is more convenient for you, it can be a little trickier to ensure that you follow through on your routine. A good rule of thumb is to divide your workouts into three sessions a week and try to do one of them outside of the home – preferably a workout with a friend or family member. This will not only ensure that you stick to your routine but will also help you maintain motivation to workout. In fact, working out with someone else can sometimes be more motivating than working out solo. Just make sure that you’re both committed to helping each other reach your goals!
Break It Down
While it’s important to set a timetable, it’s also important to make sure that each workout session is structured and that it follows a plan. The old adage, “you can’t finish a book”, is something that you need to keep in mind when structuring your workout sessions. The same goes for any type of workout routine or program. Break it down into manageable chunks and you’ll find that it’s much more likely to stick with you. You can start by breaking down each routine session into two parts. For example, you could do a set of weights followed by a set of cardio. If you’re running, you can break it down into shorter periods of running followed by a short break. You can break it down as much as you need to until it fits into smaller pieces – no more, no less. The more you can break it down, the easier it will be to follow through.
By taking the time to plan your workouts, you’ll find that it’s much easier to stick to your regime. Even if you do occasionally miss a workout or routine, it’s not going to hurt you too much because you’ve already gotten so much out of it. Plus, there’s always next week!