Exercise Ideas for Weight Loss

There are all kinds of ways you can work exercise into your life. You can workout anywhere doing all sorts of things.

Playing with children, for example is a great way to get some exercise. When you get down on the floor and play “horsey”, you are giving yourself a heck of a workout – and it is fun for the kids!

Throw a ball around in the backyard and really get into it! Jump on a trampoline, or just play tag! Exercise like this not only give you the physical benefits, it can remind you of the joy of youth and put a real smile on your face!

At work, take the stairs instead of the elevator. When you park in a parking lot, park as far away from the door as possible so you have to walk further.

Use your imagination and you will find ways to exercise almost anywhere!

Image via WikipediaMany people love the idea of being in a gym surrounded by sweaty people who are lifting weights and using the stair-stepping machine. If this is what you like, by all means, get into a gym.

Weight training gives you the opportunity to sculpt your body by pushing your muscles toward working harder than they normally would. You will also boost your metabolism by adding more muscle (muscle fibers burn calories - even at rest!).

We suggest that you get the advice of someone in the gym like the trainer or owner to give you some exercises to start out with. They will be the experts in the field for you and will know what works when you’re just beginning a weight training program. They can also help guide you when it’s time for you to “step up” your regimen.

Aerobics classes are another great way to get a terrific workout. You can find classes like these in many, many places, but mostly in gyms and workout studios. Keep in mind that there will be a fee to take these classes, but it might very well be worth it to have the camaraderie that comes with other people sweating along with you!

We highly recommend looking into taking water aerobics. Exercising in the water has so many benefits. You have less stress and strain on your joints, plus the natural resistance of the water will work your muscles more than if you were taking a class “on land”.

Water aerobics can be done by just about anyone – young and old alike. It’s a great alternative to strength training and you won’t have the problem of excessive sweating that many of us just hate! You’ll get an amazing workout and it’ll be fun too!

Image via WikipediaMany people – the Hollywood elite included – are beginning to advocate Pilates as a very effective weight loss method. This exercise regimen was developed in the early 20th century, but has just now come to global popularity - and it's definitely one of our favorites!

Pilates is more than exercise program, it is based on the principles of many different types of movements. It takes some of its movements from yoga, acrobats, stretching, and more. Plus, Pilates concentrates a lot on the mind as an exercise tool.

We can’t tell you how to do Pilates because it’s so involved, but there are many helpful tools out there that can help you with a Pilates program if you think that the route you want to go. Our favorite Pilates book is The Pilates Body, by Brooke Siler. But you can also look for web sites, videos, and classes in your area. Once you learn the basic movements, you can then practice them on your own!

A Few Good Pilates Resources: