We spend a lot of time on the site talking about diets and eating. So, let’s take a quick break to look at some ways to lose weight via activity. We are not believers in working out for an hour every day. We don’t have lives that allow it, and don’t think most people do. Fortunately, you don’t have to live in the gym to feel and look better. So, let’s get started with easy things you can do to target improve your health by getting your body moving and burning some extra calories.
Tip #1 – Go for a brisk walk. Really. Walking at a brisk pace (4 MPH or so) for 30 minutes a day will make a huge difference. You can get your metabolism going, and build your endurance. This is especially important for those of us who live our lived behind the wheel. Get out of the car and walk for a bit. It can even be in your house. If you have a treadmill you don’t have to run on it. In nice weather go for a longer walk with your dog or kids in a stroller (short legs won’t be able to keep up the pace you need). Stretching for a few minutes before and after your walk will keep you from getting sore and help tone some of those muscles.
Tip #2 – Dance it away. We’re not talking some cardio-fitness-boogie video, either. Just put on your favorite 80s CD and get to it. 15-20 minutes of enthusiastic dancing around your living room will get your heart rate up and you’ll be having so much fun you won’t notice you’re exercising. This is another great way to involve children in your workout. Kids love a dance party, and hopefully you can tire them out a bit too.
Tip #3 – Strengthen while you relax. Moderate weight lifting is so good for your body. It burns calories, and builds lean muscle that keeps you burning more all the time. Plus, a little extra strength means a lot as we get older. And you don’t have to go to the gym to do it. You can pump iron with no iron. Try filling 2 wine bottles with sand or something kind of heavy, and doing a series of curls and lifts standing next to the sofa while watching TV instead of lounging on it. A segment of television is usually about 10 minutes which is a great amount of time for a set. Fun and strengthening.
If you’re a dedicated exercise fan, good for you. There are a lot of plans and programs out there that will help you push your body as far as it will go, and with dedication the results will be impressive. But, if you just want to give yourself a kick in the pants and a trimmer body, these tips can help a lot, in just a small amount of time – and still be fun. The key, as always, is finding what works best for you.
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Eddie Garcia 03.05.09 at 10:36 pm
Spring is right around the corner and we will be moving our clocks up one hour this Sunday so that should give some incentive to get our bodies in shape for the Summer months. I know I need to get back with a regular routine cause I am spending too much time in front of my computer these days. Thanks for the wonderful tips. Pray I will implement them in my life and start losing some of these unwanted pounds!
Sandy 04.22.09 at 5:31 pm
I love walking and do it all the time; but always try to go for more than half an hour. I don’t really do it for weight loss. One of the lucky people that doesn’t have that issue. I need it for my stress level, and my arthritis.
My daughter really needs to loose, but she hasn’t come to that conclusion yet herself which bothers me. It’s an uncomfortable topic because it’s not an issue for me. Though I’ve often wondered if the fact that I’m far more active than she is why? She gained when she went away to college. Eating differently, and has continued to put it on since then. About to graduate now from grad school and I worry she’s had the weight on for so long it will be even harder if she ever decides.
So …my question, how to encourage her?
Sandy
welcome mats always out, visitors are awesome…plus I look forward to your reply.
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