What are the best exercises to lose weight?

Diets are an ever-popular fad and the amount of diet plans available to choose from is almost endless. However, health experts agree that a diet alone is not enough to lose weight and keep it off. Regular exercise is a must when planning on losing weight for the long term.

Studies show that people who exercise regularly are far more likely to keep weight off than those who don’t. So, what is the best exercises to lose weight fast?

Opinions vary on which specific types of exercise are best for individuals interested in losing weight. That being said, most agree that cardio aerobics are a very effective exercise option. There are also many cardio workouts to choose from and the correct one depends on the individual. Most experts tend to agree that the best cardio workouts are those that the individual will perform regularly. The more the individual enjoys the workout, the more likely it is he or she will commit to the regimen.

A good start when considering exercise options is to set goals. A good starting point is to set a deficit of 500 calories per day for a total of 3500 per week. Since there are 3500 calories in a pound, this is an easy way of keeping precise track of how much weight is coming off. It’s also recommended to eat a diet rich in high-nutrient foods in order to add to the effectiveness of the exercise.

Low intensity VS High intensity

Generally speaking, cardio aerobics can be broken up into two different categories: low intensity and high intensity. Low intensity cardio workouts are slow and steady and usually take place for 45 minutes to one hour per session. The purpose of a low intensity workout is to burn fat and not carbs. High intensity workouts, on the other hand, take place over the course of 20 to 30 minutes and, not only burn high amounts of calories, but also stimulate metabolism, making it easier to lose weight fast. The right cardio workout depends on the preference of the individual.

Here are some various cardio aerobics exercises to consider when thinking about losing weight:

Step Aerobics — This is a very popular exercise in the gyms across the world. This routine targets mostly the legs, hips and glutes, which are target areas for many women. This routine can burn up to 800 calories per hour.

Swimming — This is one of the more enjoyable ways to lose weight, as there are few exercise activities that are more fun. It’s a great full-body exercise and an hour in the pool can burn up to 800 calories.

Cycling — Another enjoyable way to burn calories. Not only that, but those who own their own bicycles get to exercise outdoors, in the fresh air. Cycling can burn up to 1000 calories per hour, depending on resistance.

Running — A decent pair of shoes is all anyone needs to perform this popular exercise. Running can burn up to 600 calories per hour.

Racquetball — The side to side movement is highly effective in burning calories. Playing racquetball can burn up to 800 calories per hour.