Are you concentrating on the physical aspects when contemplating the best cardio workout for weight loss? Don't stop there! Once you discover the psychological benefits, you will become hooked on fitness. Countless studies have proven the mood-enhancing effects of a 20 or 30 minute workout. From teens to seniors will experience this uplifting, invigorating result. Geared to create your new body? Ready to get ripped to burn belly fat? Let's see why a cardio workout for weight loss delivers the goods every time.
Ten vital benefits of a stretching, strength training, weight loss cardio workout:
1. Outwits osteoporosis
2. Trounces type 2 diabetes
3. Helps heart health
4. Whittles down weight
5. Diminishes mild depression
6. Spruces up sleep quality
7. Promotes mind-power
8. Improves self-image
9. Fine-tunes flexibility
10. Elevates energy levels
Now, how do you go about making this impressive list of benefits your own? Mention the word 'exercise' and many folks visualize expensive gym memberships, bulge-revealing gym mirrors and staring eyes. Relax! You really don't have to go this route if it isn't for you. There are dozens of ways to reach your fitness goals. Aim to include the following three components in your exercise routine:
Aerobic Training: This refers to those activities that get your heart really pumping and your breathing thoroughly revved up. Now, you don't need to invest in heavy-duty elliptical exercise equipment to achieve this. You can simply come up with a range of informal, enjoyable family activities. Anything from mountain biking, to walking or dancing will do.
Flexibility Training: The second leg of your cardio workout for weight loss, should include some stretching exercises to increase your flexibility. This is another way of preventing injuries, as it enables your joints, ligaments and muscles to stretch and bend with ease. It also helps to prevent the stiffness that is often associated with aging. Here some basic yoga exercises or an exercise band will do the trick.
Strength Training: Strength training is vital to increase your lean muscle mass. Again, you don't need expensive home gym equipment. Many reputable, budget, fat-burning programs take you by the hand in your weight loss quest. In these, experts give you step-by-step instructions for using little more than a bench and a set of dumbbells to get you to your weight training quota. Remember to work on your core-strength (mid-section) as well. This is one of the best ways to strengthen your back, in order to prevent back injuries.
The great thing about weight training is that it really turns your body into a calorie-crunching furnace. Your goal is to up your lean muscle mass, while reducing your body fat. This equips you with a super-efficient metabolism that continues to burn calories even while you sleep. Doesn't that sound great? Compare this scenario to fad diets that are likely to put your metabolism on a go-slow strike, by shifting all your body-gears into starvation mode.
That's all there is to it. You can try to work up to 30 minutes four or five days a week for maximum benefits. Just make sure that you get some expert advice when you start out. Consult your doctor if you haven't been training for a while, or if you have any illness or injury.
There is no area of your being that will remain untouched by a regular, relaxed weight loss cardio workout. Just imagine the dividends in terms of the positive effect it will have on your self-image, the way you will carry yourself, the way your clothes will fit, and the mood-lifting endorphins that will be produced. This is your recipe for health and wellbeing.
The most important thing to do, is to put the fun back into fitness. If you enjoy what you are doing, you will keep it up. If you include the rest of the family, you are also more likely to stay with it. It really doesn't have to be a drag. If you prefer to combine your cardio workout for weight loss with a health club membership, by all means go for it. But if you can't afford it, don't let this fact stop you from creating your new, healthy, toned body.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
How to be a female fitness model and how to wear ...
By: pjthequeen | 14-07-2008
how to be a female fitness model and how to wear fitness attire for free?
Mocha cals.
By: gabby | 14-07-2008
does anyone know who many cals in a large mocha from star bucks or any other coffe house?
Mass Gaining Program Advice
By: fitnessmann22 | 13-07-2008
Does anyone have any good muscle building programs that they recommend? I'm trying to build muscle mass and gain some body weight, but have not been having any luck.It seems like no matter how much I weight train, I can gain any muscle mass! I have decent muscle size in my legs, but my upper body is really skinny.Any mass gaining programs or tips on building muscle would be greatly appreciated.
Exercise equipment
By: ion | 13-07-2008
How does the Burn Machine work?
Chest pain
By: Kolasmom | 13-07-2008
do you get heartburn only after a meal
Do i have a problem??
By: eica :) | 12-07-2008
well ive lost a lot of weight over this summer so now im under weight not by a ton but idk i havent been doing anything to lose weight really but all the time im thinking about how much weight i could lose and like when i look in the mirror when i suck in and see my ribs for some reason i wish i were that skinny...i know its bad and i dont want an eating disorder but like idk :/ and instead of eating sometimes i fake im not hungry not skipping meals though like i just forget about it and i dont like eating in front of people so basically my conscious is sort of "helping" me lose this weight because im so afraid of gaining it oh btw im 14 about 5"4' and weigh 103.5
Q&A Powered by:
More from Rika Susan
Learn to Speak Chinese - How to Choose the Best Beginner Language Course Pack
By: Rika Susan | 20/06/2008 | Education
So, you have decided to learn to speak Chinese to advance your career or to get more from your travels. Am I right to assume that you find the prospect of learning a second language a bit daunting? If you are like me, you probably have nightmares about endless, mind-numbing...
How To Find Your Perfect Golf Club Grip - The Secret Behind Super Swing Success
By: Rika Susan | 15/12/2007 | Sports and Fitness
So you want to be one of those super swing machines? Your golf club grip can make or break your game. Get back to basics on the driving range and take some time to find the perfect fit for you. The flight of the ball is directly related to the...
6 Burn Fat Fast Secrets For A Firm, Well-Toned, Celebrity-Style Beach Body
By: Rika Susan | 11/10/2007 | Health
How to burn fat fast seems to be one of the most frequently asked questions these days. Do you struggle with food and weight loss from the moment you open your eyes in the morning? Do you constantly scan advertisements for new diet books, weight loss pills and potions? From...
6 Benefits Of Email Automatic Responders For Hands-Off Business Management
By: Rika Susan | 30/09/2007 | Management
Cash and leads are king if you have an internet business. You may be familiar with the concept of an email automatic responder. You can use these versatile autoresponder systems to generate both cash and leads. Even if your website is geared towards advertising, you need to work on aspects...
Discover Why A Treadclimber Is Crucial For Weight Loss And Cardio Conditioning
By: Rika Susan | 22/07/2007 | Health
A TreadClimber can be your dream machine if you want to lose weight and gain lean-looking, toned thighs. This unique engineering feat combines the treadmill, stair climber and elliptical trainer. Imagine the spectacular results from all-in-one sessions on these extraordinary fat-burners! In fact, with a TreadClimber, you may be able...
Find Out How To Lose 100 Pounds Easily Without Weight Loss Pills And Potions
By: Rika Susan | 22/07/2007 | Health
You are staring at your umpteenth bland plate of salad or bowl of cabbage soup, while hubby and the kids tuck greedily into steaming, mouth-watering dinners. Does this sound familiar? How about the frustration of seeing the pounds you have just lost, reappearing overnight accompanied by a bunch of unwelcome...
Discover How Flooring Options From Cork To Bamboo Create Decor Make-Over Magic
By: Rika Susan | 20/07/2007 | Home Improvement
Flooring options are no longer limited to humdrum tiles and carpeting. You can now select the perfect shade from vast ranges of cork flooring, bamboo flooring, laminates, engineered hardwood and stone, each with its unique benefits and qualities. Discover how you can bring out the best in your home with...
Cheap Auto Insurance - 10 Crucial Tips For Traveling Teens And Petrified Parents
By: Rika Susan | 13/06/2007 | Automotive
Cheap auto insurance can cost you a bundle if you don't keep a few crucial tips in mind. You have to do your homework to ensure that you understand the fine print - especially if you have a teenager on the verge of discovering the joys and freedom of driving....
Health 
