How to Get Off The Couch And Exercise To Lose Weight
August 10, 2008
Out of all competing strategies for losing weight exercise remains the best. When it is attuned to your body type as recommended by a trainer and is vigorous it has many benefits. It raises metabolism for several days after the workout. Calories are burned at a higher rate in a smooth, natural way. Fat is converted into muscle mass which in turn raises metabolism in the long term. And, of course, you will feel great. This will reflect on how others see you and will up the level of your self-esteem even if you are confident. You will be more successful if your approach is structured.
Step1
Take a look in your kitchen and assess the volume of unhealthy and fattening food in stock. Estimate how long it’s going to take you to consume it all. Mark the following day in your calendar as the start date of your exercise program. Tell your friends how you commit yourself to the plan and ask them to cheer you. Replace the old food with healthy food.
Step2
Decide how many pounds you want to lose. Make sure it’s a realistic number. In the first week, aim for the nearest round number. So if you weigh 165 pounds, try getting to 160. Your next week’s goal can be bigger.
Step3
Start the exercise routine and repeat it each morning for 21 days. 21 days is the magic habit building number. Experts say that by the 22nd day whatever you practiced will have become a habit that you do more roboticaly. Imagine how proud you’ll feel when the exercise habit replaces whatever other bad habit you were doing before the exercise.
Step4
Stay motivated. Although exercise might become a habit for you it doesn’t mean you can’t slack off. Keep your mind fixed to a vision. If it’s winter, think of the beach. If it’s summer, think of the new outfit you always wanted for Christmas. Whatever you imagine, make sure it’s powerful enough to help you stay motivated.
Step5
Complement your efforts with a membership at a health club. You will have access to better equipment. You’ll be able to work harder. You will be in a supportive environment with others around you doing the same thing you are doing. Extra services like spas will add value to your experience.
Step6
Hire a personal trainer. A trainer understands your body type and can make recommendations about what exercises you need to emphasize. Muscle groups that were weak will become stronger. More blood will circulate in areas that were neglected. Chronic tension you might have not been aware of will leave certain areas of your body. You may decide to complement your workouts with therapeutic massage.
Step7
Monitor your progress diary. Record parameters such as type of exercise, workout duration, food eaten and weight lost. Soon, patterns will emerge and you will know what works best for you.
Step8
Invest in a spinning bike with a 40 pound flywheel. It has many benefits. If you can’t get to the gym because of a flat tire or bad weather you can still do quality exercise in the comfort of your home. It works the legs and waist which are the areas most frequently afflicted by the office life-style. It helps prevent back problems. It forces you to burn lots of calories. Modern bikes are safe, comfortable, adjustable, have timers and come with pre programmed workouts.
Step9
Don’t forget to have fun!