Ways to Lose Weight Without Running
Ways to Lose Weight Without Running
Running
is not the only aerobic activity that burns calories and helps you lose
weight. Consider other, less strenuous, low-impact activities and
lifestyle changes that will help you achieve your goals without putting
the strain on your joints and muscles that running does. Check with your
health-care provider before beginning an exercise program for the first
time or if you have been away from fitness programs for a while, or if
you have any chronic health issues.
Diet
Making positive
dietary changes is one of the best ways to help you achieve your weight
loss goals and enable you to maintain your goal weight once you reach
it. While you may be tempted to try a fad diet promising quick weight
loss, experts aiming to lose only 1 or 2 lbs. per week. You can continue
to eat foods you enjoy by reducing the sizes of your portions or
finding lower-calorie alternatives, such as making healthy pizza with
whole wheat crust and low-fat cheese at home instead of ordering
delivery. Strive to include several servings of fruits, vegetables,
whole grains and lean sources of protein in your diet every day. Discuss
your caloric needs with your doctor or a nutritionist so you can devise
a plan that encourages you to change the way you eat, rather than
adhering to a strict diet for a short time in order to lose weight.
Low-Impact Exercise
Physical activity
is a vital component of any successful weight-loss program. Aim for 150
minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week if you cannot handle
more vigorous aerobic exercise, recommends the Weight-control
Information Network, a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Low-impact exercises, such as brisk
walking, swimming, and cycling on a traditional or stationary bicycle,
are gentler on your joints and muscles than running or high-impact
sports are. Exercise for at least 10 minutes at a time until your
stamina builds and you can engage in longer periods of exercise,
recommends the Weight-control Information Network. Always warm up and
gently stretch for about five minutes before and after exercising to
prevent injury, cautions MayoClinic.com.
Strength Training
Strength training
two or more days per week along with low-impact aerobic exercise can
help you lose weight since muscle burns more calories than fat. Target
your main muscle groups with free weights, machines, resistance bands or
exercises that use your own body weight, including exercises such as
push-ups, recommends the Weight-control Information Network. Consider
the effects of your strength training routine when you weigh yourself
during your weight loss journey. Though you may have weeks that you do
not see the numbers on the scale go down, you may have lost fat and
replaced the lost weight with healthy muscle. Take at least one day off
in between strength training sessions to allow your muscles to rebuild
and recover.
Commentaires
Enregistrer un commentaire