Fitness Tips To Help You Lose Weight

If you are overweight and out of shape you are not alone. Obesity levels have skyrocketed and are at an all time high. Although reaching a high level of fitness and getting in great shape is not easy, it is also not as difficult as you may think. By following the fitness tips outlined in this article you can lose weight, look better than you have in years and dramatically improve your health and well-being. Read on to learn how to get fit fast.

Cardiovascular aerobic exercise is a crucial component of any well-designed fitness plan. It burns away excess body fat and helps to improve heart health. Find an aerobic exercise you enjoy. Bike riding, hiking, dancing, roller skating, aerobic fitness classes, team sports and swimming are all great exercises. Exercising aerobically for 30 minutes four or five times per week will noticeably improve your fitness in a relatively short period of time.

If you are new to regular aerobic exercise or haven't engaged in regular aerobic exercise in years, then start things slowly. Do not start running miles on end until you drop. This is not only not helpful, it is downright dangerous. Begin with easy exercises, and gradually increase the duration and/or the intensity of your aerobic workouts. If all you can manage is a quick 5 minute walk, that is fine! As your fitness improves you can walk for longer and longer distances. Regular walks are fantastic for your health. If you have a dog, taking him on a daily trek through the neighborhood gives the both of you some heart-healthy exercise and fresh air.

In addition to regular aerobic exercise, no fitness program is complete without some form of strength training. Lifting free weights or using resistance machines is not only for bodybuilders. Strength training builds muscle and shapes and tones your body while also helping to burn off plenty of calories. Strength training for 30 to 45 minutes twice a week will help you to reach all of your weight loss goals and give you a toned and healthy physique. If you are new to strength training, consider working with a personal trainer and having him or her instruct you on proper exercise form and technique. Remember to always use proper exercise form and technique, and avoid trying to lift too heavy.

Maintaining a regular fitness schedule is sometimes difficult. One of the best things you can do is to get a friend to be your workout partner. Exercising with a friend makes fitness fun, and you can motivate each other when you feel down or discouraged.

Studies show that people who keep fitness journals are more likely to reach their fitness goals than people who do not. Write in a journal on a regular basis. Record your current weight, and keep track of all of the exercises that you perform.

Getting in great shape is not as hard as you think. Follow the fitness tips from this article and eat a sensible diet to get healthy and feel great.