Move around to lose weight - though the statement is new, the concept is age-old. The importance of losing weight has reached such an altitude in the modern health conscious world that "Weight Loss" itself has become an industry. Millions of researches and newer concepts are coming up in this genre. The quest is never ending. However in order to make things less complicated, we should keep ourselves focused on the basic concepts of energy input and output.
Whatever we eat, gives us calories or energy. Whatever we do burns our energy or calories. Even when we sleep, read, write, talk or move around, we spend the calories stored in our body. Hence in the weight loss programs the trick is to keep a balance in the input and the output of calories.
The basic equations of weight management are:
1. Calories Input > Calories Spent = Weight Gain
2. Calories Input < Calories Spent = Weight Loss
3. Calories Input = Calories Spent = Steady Weight
It is evident from the above concept that only dieting (lowering of calorie intake) is not sufficient to keep the equation in balance. Spending or burning calorie is equally important to maintain a healthy weight. Doing more physical activities and exercises are the best ways to spend more calories from our body. Here lies the importance of physical activity in weight loss. Doing physical activity also removes the risk of chronic diseases like blood sugar, cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart diseases, arthritis, osteoporosis and cancer. It keeps your bones and muscles stronger and body more flexible. Exercises make you emotionally a stronger person too.
Don't panic from the beginning only. Physical activity does not always mean doing vigorous exercises. Enjoy what you do. If you are not a very exercise oriented person try to move around a little more within your home or office, indulge your gardening habits, freak around with friends (remember not to pick up a pizza or a pasta dish for yourself, mow your lawn or simply do some house cleaning. Start brisk walking for 30 minutes in the fresh morning air and do the same (if possible with your family) after your dinner. Climb up the staircase instead of using the elevator of your office or you apartment building. Participate in aerobic sessions like swimming, dancing, jogging, cycling et al. Believe me; your small steps will give you bigger rewards in the long run.
In a more serious note, for losing weight faster moderate to hard intensity physical activities are required to be done. Apart from different aerobic activities doing some regular stretching and weight lifting exercises will help you lose weight effectively. At least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise is needed to cut down weight. Keep a track of your heart beat and rate of respiration while you exercise. Set your goals and start in your own style. Push ups, abdominal crunches, use of resisting bands, exercises with stability balls can be included in your fitness regime. Know what suits your body. Seek an expert's advice and never forget to feed yourself with nutritious foods.
Make physical exercises a part of your lifestyle. Live a better life.
