fitness

The path to losing weight does not come with shortcuts. Weight loss is no longer about just losing ungainly fat, but it also involves complete health management. There is not one best way to lose weight; it depends on the individual and their lifestyle. One has to start off by setting realistic expectations. The medically accepted best way to lose weight is by reducing one’s calorie intake and increasing calorie burn. The ideal weight loss plan would be one leading to a weight loss of around 1.5 to 2 pounds weekly.

We’re all busy, but that’s no longer a good excuse to explain why you don’t have time to hit the gym. You can do a lot of damage (good damage!) at the gym in an hour or less – if you stick to your workout plan with the following 10 ways to maximize your time at the gym.

1. Stop the gabbing

I’m sure there are a handful of you out there who can’t wait until you’ve met your weight loss goal – that means you can go back to eating anything you want and not have to worry about it right?

Yesterday I was at the gym, keeping up with my weight loss plan and I noticed a mother-daughter team working out together. I admire their fitness plan, routine and dedication. They shared weights and alternated exercise sets with the one who was resting, spotting the other, who was doing the exercise.

Okay, what weighs more: one pound of feathers or one pound of bricks? If you think this is a trick question, you’re right! A pound of feathers weighs the same as a pound of bricks one just has more volume than the other. If you think of muscle and fat in the same way you’ll bust those potential weight gain myths, lose fat and travel faster towards your weight loss goal.

As we get older, it’s more and more important to focus on our bodies. Eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is just half the battle. As you get older joint, bone and muscle problems could keep you from the trail running, step classes and high intensity workouts that you used to enjoy.

That’s why Yoga is the workout to consider. Known as a natural stress buster, yoga has been deemed one of the most effective workouts for fighting stubborn fat stores, especially the ones that seem to crop up after the age of 35.

I know what you’re thinking, and no, the answer is not coffee (although, admittedly, I am more coherent after I've had my morning coffee). The best way to jumpstart your day is to begin with a workout - it gets your blood flowing, oxygen to your brain and gives you energy for the day!

Who doesn't love the weekend? The weekend is a time to let loose, have fun, and take a break from your weeklong routine...and if you’re anything like me you look forward to it starting Monday morning! But, because it’s the weekend, it’s also a bigger opportunity to stray from your weight loss plan and your healthy eating. How can you stay on track and enjoy your two-day vacation? Here are a few ideas to keep you moving in the right direction!

Make a plan.