A calorie controlled diet and structured exercises offer a guaranteed way to permanent weight loss. It is quite natural that you get bored performing the same exercises on a daily basis. Not only does this get monotonous, but does not also result in effective weight loss. Hence when framing an exercise schedule, it is recommended to include a variety of exercises.
The usual exercises that you can incorporate in your workout schedule are cardio training, strength training, resistance training, Pilates, yoga and dance workouts. All types of workout bring about calorie burn in varying proportion depending on the intensity and duration of the workouts.
Most of the people who want to lose weight incorporate cardio and strength training in their workouts. While it is difficult to say which is superior, it can be very well emphasized that both such workout routines help you with weight loss. In fact, it is recommended that before any type of workout a cardio warm up is performed.
Benefits of a cardio routine
A cardio routine performed daily does wonders with your metabolism. Depending on your comfort levels, you can modify the intensity of a cardio workout. A high intensity cardio workout has the effect of pushing up your heart rate, rate of breathing and revving up your metabolism. A higher metabolism promotes greater calorie burning thus helping you with weight loss.
Some forms of cardio include everyday activities like walking, stair climbing, cycling, jogging, swimming, jumprope, hiking and running. A cardio routine can be easily incorporated into any exercise schedule and can be altered effectively to suit the health needs of individual exercisers. You can also choose to join a gym or fitness center to have a cardio workout on the treadmill, elliptical trainer or stationery bike.
While it is proved that regular cardio helps in weight loss and belly fat loss, a far improved version of cardio called HIIT, High Intensity Interval Training which is cardio performed at high intensity in intervals is far more effective in weight loss.
The best part about cardio is that it can be performed anywhere without the need for any specialized exercise equipment. In fact for beginners who want to incorporate fitness, cardio is the best choice.
Benefits of Strength Training
Strength training helps you to build on your strength and endurance which will in turn help you to perform workouts for longer duration. Working with weights during the course of strength training session helps to build muscle. You can work with free weights, dumbbells or kettlebells.
As you build and bulk up your muscles through strength training, a larger amount of energy is expended to move these muscle groups. Greater energy utilization implies more calorie burn, which consequently helps with weight loss.
In fact, performing strength training raises your resting metabolism and you continue to burn calories well after you are done with your workout. It is strongly recommended that you indulge in strength training under an instructor to avoid injury.
Most people choose cardio as a weight loss tool as it increases the metabolism and promotes greater fat burn.