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Weight Loss Exercises Made Easy

By: Colin Johnson

Everyone knows that in order to lose weight, we need to eat sensibly and exercise regularly. It's so easy to say, but why does it seem so hard to do? I put it to you that exercising effectively is all about attitude. If you could just understand how simple it is to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, you could make a decision now to just do it. That decision would lead to weight loss, and weight loss would change your life.

I know the latest exercise equipment as featured on television ads can be very enticing, but don't feel like you have to buy any large, expensive item in order to start your new exercise regime. Perhaps you have one such machine in a wardrobe somewhere; if so, drag it out and crank it up. Try to place it somewhere obvious and leave it set up, then you'll be more inclined to use it every day. If not, all you really need to put your hands on is a large exercise ball, which will suffice. There are very few muscles you will miss working using the ball, and it's relatively inexpensive.

Exercising does not have to dominate your day; it doesn't take as long as you think! These days there are 20 minute routines on DVD in abundance, and if you aim for at least 3 of these sessions a week, exercising will not take up too much of your time. First thing in the morning is the best time to exercise, and always aim to start at the same time so that your exercising becomes a habit which is hard to break. There are fewer distractions first thing, and you will head into your day with a quiet sense of satisfaction, knowing that you are on the road to a slimmer, physique. But for those who certainly aren't morning people, first thing in the morning is never going to work. I know someone who reckons she sleeps like a baby due to her 30 minute aerobic workout before bed every night. So, it's up to you really: you need to decide on the time that's right for you and get started immediately!

Make it enjoyable. If something has to be endured rather than enjoyed it probably wont last. Sit down with pen and paper and jot down ten things you love doing. Then examine your list and see how you could incorporate exercise naturally into these activities. If one of the items on your list is - playing squash with a friend - then you're laughing! But chances are that your items are more along the lines of - dining out with my partner - and this will take some creative thought. For instance, where could you go to eat which is atmospheric, delicious, provides you with some healthy dietary options and also is near to a lovely beach or nature walk? Consider cycling to your cafe destination, and take the whole family! What great memories you'll make, plus you'll be modelling healthy living to your kids. In the summertime, my wife and I make a habit of taking the kids for a sunset walk on the beach, after dinner. No one's allowed to watch television until we return. What wonderful conversations and laughs we have enjoyed in these times of fresh air and no distractions.

Exercise does not have to be formal and inflexible. Your everyday routine provides limitless opportunities to get in shape and burn some calories. For example, those television remote controls can be put to one side and you can rely on the legs God's given you for a change! You can change your attitude about finding close parking places in shopping centres; why not actually choose a park some distance away from the shop doors? It will be less crowded and you'll steal a calorie burning opportunity as you carry heavy shopping bags (like dumbells) back to the car later on. Forget the lift, decide now to always take the stairs at work. Bus commuters, you don't have to get off at your usual stop. Consider getting off one stop too early and walking the last bit of distance. Radical, hey! See what I mean about changing your attitude? And lastly, if you have an office job (especially if you work with computers), always break up your day with several brisk walks around your block to take in the fresh air and get the blood pumping. Ladies, take walking shoes with you if your work shoes are uncomfortable.

Compete with yourself. If you manage to organise a daily walk (or a walk three times a week as a minimum), have fun by creating a chart and display it somewhere prominent such as on your fridge. Time yourself each walk and watch as you shave minutes off your previous best time. This will inevitably happen as you get fitter and fitter. Include a column to measure your pulse when you return home and you'll also be thrilled to see your fitness levels increase. Before long you'll be able to increase the length of your walk and still return home within the same time period.

Get inspired about where you exercise, don't just settle for your local neighbourhood if it's not interesting enough to maintain your enthusiasm. Where is your favourite scenery within a few minutes drive of your house? Drive there and give yourself some visual enjoyment as you walk. It might be bush, an allocated walking/cycling track, around a lake etc. If your favourite place in all the world is the local shopping centre there's nothing stopping you doing as a friend of my wife's. She arrives before the crowds every morning and walks the length of the building four or five times as her daily routine, and she couldn't be happier!

The enthusiastic sometimes overdo their initial attempts at exercising and the next day feel so sore (or exhausted) that they lose all motivation. Be careful of this. Start small and ease yourself into more challenging activities. For example, don't go jogging if you haven't trained as a walker. Much of the time I see elderly joggers who are driving themself to a dangerous level when they'd gain much more benefit from walking briskly or swimming. It's dangerous to be overly zealous at times. Stay sensible and respect your body. Work up to the next level very gradually and if at all possible, try to have an exercise buddy who can keep an eye on your wellbeing.

Swimming is a fabulous activity suitable for all ages. It is low impact and works all parts of your body. It is enjoyable and if you live near a heated swimming pool, it is suitable for all times of the year. You can go at your own pace and because it is an individual pursuit you will not feel as though as you are letting anyone else down if you are slow or awkward.

Some people just thrive on competition and if that's you, ensure you are in some kind of team sport competition. Recognise that motivational quality in yourself and feed it by joining your local footy or netball competition. Team sports are useful for helping us feel obliged to turn up regularly; the rest of the team make us accountable, which helps keep us on the straight and narrow!

If you want to see quick results in your physique, I would definitely have a whey protein based shake on hand and take this between 20 and 30 minutes after your exercise session. You'd be amazed at the difference this will make. During exercise you muscles basically tear and protein helps them to start rebuilding immediately. This leads to greater muscle tone and fat burning. Whey protein and L Carnitine is a winning combination if you really need to lose some weight. Why do all the hard work and not give yourself every advantage?

This can be a new day for you if you are willing to put a bit of thought and creativity into your daily lifestyle. Now is the time you must make the decision to make some changes. Exercising regularly does not have to be painful. There are limitless opportunities to incorporate physical exercise into your daily routine. Your improved, slimmer physique will be your reward!

Article Source: http://www.articlemonk.com

Colin Johnson has been a sought after fitness expert and elite sports coach in a variety of arenas. He heartily recommends whey protein shakes for muscle review and development and L Carnitine for weight loss and increased stamina.
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