Real, rapid weight loss comes from a combination of diet, exercise and sheer determination.
As much as we'd like to believe it, there is no instant program that will hack off the poundage within a day or two. Nope, our bodies just don't work that way.
However, there are ways to optimize cardiovascular exercise over a short period of time so you see the results you want quickly. Here are three tips:
Tip #1. Figure out the best cardio workout scheme for you. Our bodies are not created equal - you probably know this already if you browse fashion or bodybuilding shows every now and then.
You can find several online tools to track workouts that will help you record your body measurements and fat percentage (body mass index), monitor your workouts and nutrition intake. Being aware of this information can help you monitor the effectiveness of the different levels of exercise that you do. You will be better able to tell whether fat is burned or muscles are developed from particular workout intensities.
This knowledge is especially useful in that it will help you to pinpoint the fat burning exercises that work best for your body.
A key point you will want to be aware of is that low intensity cardio workouts do burn fat. However, you need to build up to that optimum heart rate, and maintain it - the entire process takes longer than it would for a high intensity cardio workout to get the same results. Of course you will need to exert yourself more to perform high intensity cardio workouts - and you will feel the burn.
Tip #2. Mix it up. There's no rule that says you must stick to either only the low or the high intensity workouts to get the best results. In fact there are several physical trainers who recommend programs that alternate low intensity workouts with high intensity workouts.
You can also mix up the two intensity levels within the same workout. You can push yourself at the beginning of the workout, quickly reaching high intensity, and then slow down once your heart rate is at the desired pace, maintain that heart rate / intensity for longer than you would be capable of maintaining high intensity exercises.
Tip #3. Have fun. The cardio workouts that achieve the best results are those that keep things interesting. Most people think of working out as a chore, which is why so many never reach their fitness goals.
Don't fall into a boring routine; pound the treadmill one day and play two sets of tennis on another, mixing up your high and low intensity workouts in the process. If you're falling asleep on your stationary bike, keep your mind occupied by reading a book or watching TV. You won't realize you've been exercising for over an hour when watching your favourite show while skipping rope or jumping on a trampoline.
To achieve optimum results for rapid weight loss, pair your exercise regime with a balanced diet - and know when to eat to aid your cardiovascular activities. For higher intensity workouts, have some protein in your system but make sure to eat two hours before the exercise and then not again till an hour after. That hour is actually when your body burns fat and eating anything will distract this process.
Also, keep your metabolism up by eating small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. Diet, exercise and sheer determination - your tools to rapid weight loss that's both safe and successful.
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