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What is the Best Weight Loss Workout?
Let's talk about something that's on a lot of our minds: What is the best weight loss workout? Or more specifically, what workout burns the most fat in your body?
Whether you're looking to fit into your favorite jeans again or just feel more confident in your own skin, exercise to help you shed those extra pounds can be a total game-changer.
But where do you even start?
Well, if you are confused, you're in the right place!
Exercise is a crucial part of losing body fat, and we're about to dive into the best ways to get moving and start seeing results.
First things first, it's important to remember that losing body fat isn't just about vanity - it's also about health. Carrying extra weight can increase your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, so taking control of your body fat percentage can literally be a lifesaver.
And the good news is, you don't have to be a gym rat or a fitness fanatic to start making progress. With a few simple changes to your daily routine and a bit of dedication, you can start burning fat and building muscle in no time.
Now, you might be thinking: "I hate exercise!" or "I'm not sure where to start."
Well, let’s explore all sorts of exercises and routines, from walking and jogging to weightlifting and HIlT, and how effective they are to get rid of that extra fat in your body.
And the best part of all this?
You can do most of these workouts from the comfort of your own home, or even during your lunch break at work! So, whether you're a total newbie or just looking to mix up your routine, there is something for everyone.
Let's get moving and start burning that body fat! Let’s talk about the best exercises and routines for losing body fat, plus some tips and tricks for staying motivated and seeing results.
Whether you're looking to lose a few pounds or totally transform your body, we're here to support you every step of the way.
So let's do this!
What Makes a Good Fat Loss Workout?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about what makes a workout effective for fat loss. A good fat loss workout should:
Burn calories: You want to torch those extra calories to shed pounds.
Build muscle: The more muscle mass you have, the higher your metabolism will be.
Boost metabolism: A good workout should get your metabolism firing on all cylinders.
Be fun: Let's face it, if it's not fun, you won't stick to it!
When it comes to losing body fat, not all exercises are created equal.
The best exercises for fat loss are the ones that get your heart rate up and keep it there for a while. Think cardio exercises like running, cycling, or swimming - these activities get your blood pumping and your muscles working, which helps your body burn calories and fat.
But here's the thing: it's not just about the exercise itself, it's about the intensity and duration. To really get that fat burning, you want to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per session.
In other words, a casual walk in the park won’t cut it because it may not be too intense. On the other hand, an all-out sprint going up a mountain won’t help either because it's too intense and you won’t be able to keep at it long enough.
You need to find the right balance between intensity and duration.
Another key factor in fat-loss exercises is muscle engagement.
When you're building muscle through strength training or resistance exercises, you're increasing your resting metabolic rate (RMR).
What does that mean?
It means your body is burning more calories at rest, even when you're not actively exercising!
So, exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once - like squats, lunges, or deadlifts - are especially effective for fat loss. Plus, the more muscle mass you have, the higher your metabolism will be, which can help you lose fat and keep it off in the long run.
Finally, it's important to consider the afterburn effect when choosing exercises for fat loss. Some exercises, like HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workouts, can keep your body burning calories and fat for hours after the exercise is completed. This is known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), and it's like a secret weapon for fat loss.
When you're choosing exercises, look for ones that are high-intensity, engage multiple muscle groups, and keep your heart rate up - these will be your most effective weapons in the fight against body fat!
The Best Fat Loss Workouts
Now that we know what to look for, let's explore some of the best fat loss workouts out there:
Walking to Lose Weight
Yep, walking! It's low-impact, easy on the joints, and can be done by almost anyone. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day.
Walking is an amazing exercise for fat loss, and it's often overlooked!
First of all, walking is low-impact, which means it's easy on your joints.
Unlike high-impact exercises like running or jumping, walking won't leave you feeling battered and bruised. Plus, you can do it almost anywhere - whether it's around your neighborhood, through a park, or even on a treadmill at the gym.
And it's free!
You don't need any special equipment or membership fees to get started.
Walking is also a great way to get your heart rate up and burn some serious calories.
Depending on your pace and intensity, walking can burn anywhere from 100 to 400 calories per hour! That's not too shabby for an exercise that's so easy to do.
Walking works multiple muscle groups at once - your legs, glutes, and core are all engaged when you walk. This means you're building strength and endurance while you burn fat.
And don’t forget about something very important: the mental benefits - walking can be super meditative and stress-relieving.
Perhaps the best part about walking for fat loss is that it's sustainable. Unlike burpees or sprinting, you can go for a nice walk almost every day, without feeling like you're going to die.
You can do it for longer periods of time without getting tired. This means you can walk for hours and lots of calories - plus, you'll be building endurance and strength that will help you in all areas of your life. So why not lace up those sneakers and get walking? It’s really that good!
Jogging/Running to Lose Weight
If you're ready to take it up a notch, jogging or running is a great way to burn calories and build endurance.
Running is an awesome way to torch those extra calories and shed some serious fat!
Why is running so effective to lose body fat?
Running is a high-intensity exercise that gets your heart rate up and keeps it there. This means you're burning calories at a rapid pace - we are talking something like 400 to 600 calories per hour or even more!
And because running is a great cardio exercise, you're improving your cardiovascular health while you burn fat. Plus, running works your legs, glutes, and core, so you're building strength and endurance while you get leaner.
Running is also a great way to boost your metabolism and keep burning calories even after your workout is done. Your body will keep burning calories like crazy several hours after you go running.
And the more you run, the more your body adapts and becomes efficient at burning fat for fuel. This means, paired with the proper nutrition, running can help you change your body composition and improve your overall health.
Now, you may be saying "I hate running!" or "I'm not a natural runner!"
Running is something you can work up to, even if you're starting from scratch. Start with short distances and gradually increase your runs as you build endurance.
It's not about being a "natural" runner - it's about showing up and putting in the work. With consistent effort, you'll be torching fat and feeling like an olympian in no time!
Cycling to Lose Weight
Another low-impact option, cycling is perfect for those who want to ease into exercise.
Cycling is an amazing way to lose fat and get in shape!
First of all, cycling is a low-impact exercise, which means it's easy on your joints. Unlike high-impact exercises like running or jumping, cycling won't leave you feeling all worn out.
Second, you can cycle indoors or outdoors, so you can mix up your routine and keep things interesting. And the best part? Cycling is a great cardio workout that gets your heart rate up and burns serious calories - something like 400 calories per hour or more!
Seriously!
Cycling is also a fantastic way to build strength and endurance in your legs and glutes.
When you cycle, you're working multiple muscle groups at once, which means you're building lean muscle mass and boosting your metabolism. And the more you cycle, the more efficient your body becomes at burning fat for fuel.
This means that you'll start to see changes in your body composition and overall health, even when you're not actively cycling.
Plus, just like running, cycling is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health and increase your stamina.
You can cycle anywhere, anytime! Even if you don’t have a bike or don’t like the idea of going to a spin class at the gym!
Whether it's on a stationary bike at the gym, a spin bike at home, or even an outdoor bike ride, you can enjoy all the benefits of cycling.
And remember, cycling is all about having fun and getting moving. You don't have to be a pro cyclist to reap the benefits. All you have to do is just hop on a bike and start pedaling!
Weight Training to Lose Weight
Building muscle is key to fat loss, and weight training is the way to do it. Focus on compound exercises like squats and deadlifts.
Weight training is a total game-changer when it comes to losing body fat and getting in shape mainly because it helps you build muscle mass. And the more muscle mass you have, the higher your metabolism will be.
A higher metabolism means your body will burn more calories at rest, even when you're at home resting.
And something else to think about… weight training is a great way to boost your strength and endurance, so you'll be able to tackle daily tasks with ease.
Weight training also helps you lose fat in a way that cardio exercises don't.
When you do cardio, you're burning calories mainly in the moment, but once you stop exercising, the resulting calorie burn slows down and even stops too. But with weight training, you're building muscle that will continue to burn calories even after your workout is done.
Another awesome thing about weight training is that it can be adapted to any fitness level. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro, you can find weights and exercises that work for you.
And even more! You don't need to spend hours in the gym to see results. Even short weight training sessions can be super effective to build lean skeletal muscle and lose body fat.
Weight training isn't just about getting strong - it's about getting lean, confident, and feeling like a total super herp! And if you stick with it long enough, you'll see results in your body that will keep you motivated and excited to keep pushing forward.
Interval Training HIIT to Lose Weight
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) is a great way to boost metabolism and burn calories in a short amount of time.
Interval training, also known as HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), is a total fat-loss superstar!
With HIIT, you're working at maximum intensity for short periods of time, followed by brief periods of rest. This type of training is amazing for fat loss because it keeps your heart rate up and burns calories like crazy.
Plus, HIIT workouts are usually shorter than traditional cardio sessions such as walking or swimming, so you can get in and out with a great workout in no time.
HIIT is also awesome for fat loss because your body is still burning calories at an elevated rate even after your workout is done. This can last for hours!
When doing interval training, you're getting a continued calorie burn long after you've finished your workout. And the more you incorporate HIIT into your routine, the more your body adapts and becomes efficient at burning fat for fuel.
HIIT is also super flexible. You can adapt it to any fitness level or exercise preference you have. Whether you're doing sprints, burpees, jump squats, or mountain climbers, you can create a HIIT workout that's fun and challenging for you.
The options are nearly endless!
If you're new to HIIT - start with shorter intervals and gradually increase the intensity and duration as you get more comfortable. It is challenging for sure, but so much fun!
Swimming to Lose Weight
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that's easy on the joints and burns calories at a very high rate.
Swimming is an amazing way to lose fat and get in shape! It is a low-impact exercise, which means it's easy on your joints. Unlike high-impact exercises like running or jumping, swimming won't leave you feeling dead tired.
Swimming works your entire body, so you're building strength and endurance while you burn calories. And as a top exercise, swimming is a great cardio workout that gets your heart rate up and burns hundreds of calories per hour!
Swimming is also a fantastic way to boost your metabolism and build lean muscle mass because you're working multiple muscle groups at once. And the more you swim, the more efficient your body becomes at burning fat for fuel, even when you're not actively swimming.
Swimming is also an excellent way to improve your cardiovascular health and increase your stamina.
And perhaps one of the best parts about swimming is that can be so relaxing and enjoyable!
Unlike some other exercises that can feel like a chore, swimming is a great way to unwind and have fun while getting a great workout. Whether you're doing laps in a pool, swimming with friends, or just playing around in the water, swimming is a fantastic way to get in shape and lose fat.
And don't worry if you're not a strong swimmer - start with shorter distances and gradually increase your swimming time as you build endurance.
Yoga and Pilates to Lose Weight
While they may not burn as many calories as other exercises, yoga and Pilates can help with flexibility and strength, which is a very important part of a well rounded healthy living lifestyle.
Yoga and Pilates are often thought of as gentle, low-impact exercises, but they can actually be a powerful tool for fat loss!
While they may not burn as many calories as high-intensity exercises like running or HIIT, yoga and Pilates can help you build lean muscle mass and boost your metabolism. They can also help you develop greater body awareness and improve your overall flexibility and balance.
One of the main reasons yoga and Pilates are great for fat loss is that they focus on building strength and endurance in your core muscles.
Your core is the foundation of your body, and when you strengthen it, you're better able to support your entire physique. This means you'll be able to tackle daily tasks with more energy and confidence, and you'll be less likely to suffer from injuries or aches and pains.
Another awesome thing about yoga and Pilates is that they can be adapted to any fitness level.
You can be a total newbie or a seasoned pro athlete, and you can find yoga and Pilates classes or videos that work for you.
You don't even need any special equipment or gear - just your own body and a mat! This makes yoga and Pilates a great option for those who are intimidated by traditional gym settings or who prefer to work out at home.
One more reason yoga and Pilates are a great choice for fat loss is that they can help you reduce stress and improve your overall mental well-being.
Chronic stress can actually make it harder to lose weight, so finding ways to manage stress is crucial for overall health and wellness.
Yoga and Pilates can help you relax, unwind, and feel more centered and focused - and when you combine that with their physical benefits, you've got a winning combination for fat loss and overall wellness!
Putting it all together
When answering the question: What is the best weight loss workout? The answer is a anything that makes you break a sweat and rises your heart rate. Combine this with an appropriate nutrition plan and you an excellent mix to transform your body.
In short, a good workout routine for fat loss typically includes a combination of cardio, strength training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Here's a sample routine:
Monday:
Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio
Resistance training:
Squats (3 sets of 12 reps)
Lunges (3 sets of 12 reps per leg)
Chest press (3 sets of 12 reps)
Rows (3 sets of 12 reps)
Cardio: 20-30 minutes of steady-state cardio (jogging, cycling, etc.)
Cool-down: 5-10 minutes of stretching
Tuesday:
Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio
HIIT:
Sprints (3 sets of 30 seconds, followed by 30 seconds of rest)
Burpees (3 sets of 12 reps, followed by 30 seconds of rest)
Jump squats (3 sets of 12 reps, followed by 30 seconds of rest)
Cardio: 20-30 minutes of steady-state cardio
Cool-down: 5-10 minutes of stretching
Wednesday:
Walking for 30 minutes at a relatively fast pace.
Thursday:
Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio
Resistance training:
Deadlifts (3 sets of 12 reps)
Bicep curls (3 sets of 12 reps)
Tricep dips (3 sets of 12 reps)
Shoulder press (3 sets of 12 reps)
Cardio: 20-30 minutes of steady-state cardio
Cool-down: 5-10 minutes of stretching
Friday:
Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio
HIIT:
Box jumps (3 sets of 30 seconds, followed by 30 seconds of rest)
Kettlebell swings (3 sets of 12 reps, followed by 30 seconds of rest)
Mountain climbers (3 sets of 30 seconds, followed by 30 seconds of rest)
Cardio: 20-30 minutes of steady-state cardio
Cool-down: 5-10 minutes of stretching
Saturday:
Yoga or Pilates
Sunday
Long walk or jog (60 minutes)
Remember to adjust the intensity and duration of your workouts based on your fitness level and goals. If you are new to exercise, start slow and build from there.
Also, and this very important: make sure to include a balanced diet and lifestyle to support your fat loss journey. And always consult with your healthcare professional or a certified personal trainer for a personalized workout routine.