Exercise Weight Loss Hacks
By Rachel Carver
Exercise is an important part of weight loss. You also need a nutritious diet and to be intentional about daily movement.
Though exercise is only part of the equation, there are many compelling reasons to prioritize it in your weight loss plan. Exercise improves energy, boosts mood, and combats a life of too much sitting.
It might take you some time to find an effective exercise regimen. Here are some exercise hacks that might help decrease your scale number.
Exercise for More Than Just Weight Loss
Remember the other health benefits of regular exercise? Sometimes, it takes approaching a workout from a different angle for it to be effective. Find an activity you enjoy. Your best friend might be a runner, but that approach might not work for you. Focusing less on having to do something for so many minutes to burn a certain amount of calories and more on feeling good and having fun can show you positive results.
Choose Supersets Over Cardio
Cardio can burn calories. But superset training burns more calories because it elevates your heart rate during and after the workout. Superset training gives you flexibility in your workouts and can shake things up to keep you motivated.
Choose Heavy Strength Training Over HIIT
HIIT has become a popular form of exercise. However, strength training is often a better option for weight loss.
Strength training can burn just as many, if not more, calories than cardio. Increasing the weight moved increases the calorie burn. This training grows lean muscle mass, which increases your basal metabolic rate.
Take Breaks During Strength Workouts
Rest is an important part of exercise. But the tendency is to not rest between sets to keep the heart rate elevated. However, taking a breather between lifting sets can improve performance. More energy for your next set gives you more strength, can make it easier to add muscle, and can drop your scale number quicker.
The Bottom Line
Weight loss is a journey, not a sprint. Changing the way you look at exercise can make the journey easier. Set an exercise schedule. Prioritize recovery days. Move more throughout your entire day. And don't be afraid to try different workouts until you find one that works for you. Most people do not have to spend hours on a treadmill or exercise bike to shed pounds.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Suffolk, Va.