Top 5 Exercises To Lose Weight Fast

Losing weight is a common goal for most people but it is quite challenging. The amount of effort, patience, sweat, tears with a combination of proper diet, targeted workout routines and consistency required to accomplish this is no joke. While there isn’t a one size fits all approach to weight loss, making time to squeeze in regular exercise into your routine can help in achieving that goal. Here are the top five exercises that can help you shed those extra pounds effectively: 

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

If you’re looking to lose weight fast within a short period of time, HIIT is your plug. It involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods. It is efficient and effective for weight loss, although it is not for the fainthearted. HIIT can elevate your metabolism and burn calories 25-30% more when compared with other workout routines. It enhances oxygen consumption; building your stamina and endurance, regulates blood pressure, controls blood sugar and improves cardiovascular health.

Mix exercises like jumping jacks, burpees, and mountain climbers for a challenging HIIT session.

Walking

Walking is the easiest way to stay fit. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, obese or a fitness enthusiast, just take a walk. It’s that simple yet effective exercise that anyone can do. It’s convenient, low-impact, and doesn’t require any special equipment. It’s a proven way to burn calories. A certain study on women living with obesity confirmed that walking for an average of 1 hour, 3 times a week significantly reduced their waist circumference and body fat. You can start with 30 minutes of walking 3–4 times a week and gradually increase duration and frequency as you become more fit.

Jogging or Running

Jogging and running are similar but one is faster than the other. Apart from helping you build strong bones and strengthening your muscles, both of them are great cardiovascular exercises for burning calories, reducing belly fat and maintaining a healthy body weight. It can also improve your mental health and boost your self-confidence. You should aim for 20–30 minutes of jogging 3–4 times per week. If you find that outdoor running is hard on your joints, try a treadmill with built-in cushioning.

Cycling

Cycling is ideally an outdoor event but in recent times, most fitness centers and gyms have stationary equipment that makes indoor cycling great too. It is an effective way to lose weight quickly. It is a non-weight-bearing exercise that is gentle on your joints, making it suitable for all fitness levels. Some of the benefits of cycling are improved lung health, improved mental health, improved balance/coordination and improved flexibility/strength. Ladies, did I mention that it’s also great for developing your glutes(butt muscles)? Check out the back side of every cyclist you know *winks* 

Strength Training

Building muscle through weight training helps boost your metabolism and burn fat. More muscle means more calories burned at rest. This in turn makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight. It also strengthens your bones, enhances your posture, improves your quality of life whilst increasing the secretion of those feel-good hormones(endorphins).  You can incorporate: squats, lunges, push-ups, and dumbbells into your strength training exercises.

Remember, workout routines are as effective as your consistency along with a balanced diet. These are essential for successful weight loss. If you have any health concerns, consult a fitness professional or a doctor before starting any new exercise program. 

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