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How To Make Weight Loss Exercises Easy and Enjoyable

By: Colin Johnson..

A sensible diet and regular exercise are the key ingredients to weight loss. Yet these difficult tasks are often so hard to accomplish and more easily said than done. I maintain that when it comes to exercise, effectiveness is all about attitude and approach. It is amazing, that with some thought, creativity and planning, you can take your daily routine and intertwine exercise in many ways. But it will take that important step of decision, a decision which will add to your life and take away from your waist!

Make sure you don't fall for the latest infomercial featuring exercise machines. You don't actually need to spend a lot of money. Maybe you have some equipment previously purchased. If so, that's fine, dust it off and set it up somewhere you'll pass everyday so that you're more inclined to use it regularly. Those kinds of tummy sucking wonders tend to be large and take up lots of storage, so only go for one if you have the place to put it. Otherwise, consider purchasing a large exercise ball; these are cheap and effective for exercising most of your muscle groups.

Exercise does not have to take hours out of every day. There are a number of brilliant daily exercise DVDs on the market that take between 15 and 20 minutes. If you can manage this three times a week or more you will be on your way to a better physique. Most people find that first thing in the morning is the best time to do their 20 minutes. At least there will be fewer interuptions and you will be able to spend your day knowing it's behind you, a great feeling! If you leave it til any other time you may find it playing on your mind during the day and you might feel as though it's hanging over your head. Unexpected things often come up and you'll find it squeezed out of your routine for that day. After you've missed one session you may feel a bit disappointed with yourself and less keen to continue. Does any of this sound familiar? Overcome such obstacles by choosing a time that's best for you, and stick to it.

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.

You can use competition to advantage, even if you're only competing with yourself. The key here is a little bit of organisation. Display a time chart somewhere you look often, such as your fridge door, and record every day the time it takes you to complete your walk. You'll be amazed to notice how much quicker you become with practice. This in turn will motivate you to continue. Make sure there's a column also to record your pulse when you walk in the door at the conclusion of your walk as this will show you your improved fitness levels, which will also delight and motivate you. In no time at all you'll be looking to increase the distance you walk within the same time period as you started.

Exercise somewhere inspiring. The great thing about brisk walking is that you can choose your destination. Get in your car and go to a place you love. If you're very lucky you will live near a lake, beach, river, forest or scenic area. Perhaps your favourite place is a shopping centre. I know a lady who combines retail therapy with her need for company and exercise and so walks the length of her local shopping centre five times every morning! It's whatever works for you!

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.

One of the best forms of exercise which suits most people is swimming. It's suitable for all ages, is low impact and works most muscle groups. In hot weather it's refreshing, and if you're lucky enough to live near a heated pool it can be enjoyed all year round. Swimming especially suits those who don't want to let anyone else down as it can be an individual activity and it doesn't matter if you're not very sporty. Swimming benefits everyone, even those who don't swim particularly well.

The competitive spirit can be a powerful motivator for those of you who, like myself, thrive on competition. If you're not already involved in team sport, see what you can arrange. This will be the right move for you. You'll feel accountable to the others in the team, you'll be unlikely to let them down by not showing or having a slack day and you'll be motivated to play because you like winning.

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?

A little creative thinking and a steadfast decision to put some little changes into action can be the start of a whole new you. It's not as hard as you think to live a healthy life. Any exercise must be supported by sensible eating, and is enhanced by drinking lots of water and a protein supplement after you're finished. If you put into action some of the advice given here, I am confident your slimmer physique and increased energy levels will be all the motivation you need to keep on exercising regularly for the rest of your life!

Article Source: http://www.taffs-article-directory.com

Colin Johnson has been a recognised exercise advisor and elite sports coach in a variety of fields. He heartily recommends whey protein shakes for muscle review and development and L Carnitine for weight loss and increased stamina.
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