You don't have to sign up for a pricey gym membership to stay in shape. If you're too busy, or it's not in your budget to join a gym, take advantage of the resources you already have. With a combination of diet and exercise modifications, you can lose weight without setting foot inside the gym. Talk to your doctor before making any changes in your diet or exercise program, especially if you have health conditions or injuries.
Step 1
Go for a run outside and skip the treadmill. You might be more apt to run faster, at higher inclines and for longer periods of time when you run outside, because you'll have nature, not a boring TV screen, to entertain you while you run. Run for at least 20 minutes, 3 to 5 times a week to lose weight.
Step 2
Eat smaller portions at home and in restaurants. If you usually have a second helping of dinner, stick with one plate of food and eat seconds of only vegetable dishes, like salad. You'll cut back on a small amount of calories every night, leading to gradual weight loss.
Step 3
Jump rope in the backyard. Jumping rope is a strenuous cardio exercise that burns calories and tones your arms and legs. Jump rope for at least 20 minutes, 3 to 5 times a week to lose weight, or do it occasionally as a supplement for your other cardio exercises, like jogging or biking.
Step 4
Replace butter with olive oil and red meat with chicken or fish. These two minor substitutions cut calories and saturated fat from your diet, allowing you to drop pounds quickly. When you combine these adjustments with a regular exercise program, you burn more calories and lose more weight.
Step 5
Do jumping jacks during commercial breaks. Even if you're spending a night at home with your family, it's no excuse to miss your exercise session. Do 30 jumping jacks during each commercial to burn extra calories and ultimately, lose weight.
Posted in: Lose Pounds