While a diet low in carbohydrates and calories is critical
for weight loss success, exercise can be very beneficial to the process and can
expedite your results. Consistent exercise helps with weight loss because it boosts
your metabolism and burns calories that would otherwise be stored as fat. Exercise
also helps regulate your blood sugar levels, which is very important when you’re
dieting and using weight loss products.
Regular physical activity boosts our overall
health, releases endorphins to improve our moods, increases muscle tone and helps
prevent many chronic illnesses and diseases including cardiovascular disease
and strokes. When we work out, it strengthens our heart muscle and improves
blood flow, which ultimately bolsters our heart’s working capacity. In
addition, exercise lowers our blood pressure and LDL “bad” cholesterol.
When an exercise program is combined with a diet
low in carbohydrates, you’ll see much faster results—the key is to make sure
that your physical activity is consistent. Some engage in physical activity
every single day. If that is not possible for you, aim for three to four times
a week in the beginning and increase that amount over time.
All types of exercise will be beneficial, from
sports, exercise classes and weight lifting to cooking, gardening and other
household chores. For best results, try to incorporate each of the three
essential forms of exercise training into your regimen: cardiovascular, strength
and flexibility training. Aim for 30 minutes to an hour per session, mixing it
up and increasing your activity in duration and intensity as time progresses.
This will enhance any weight loss products you are using and help to rev your
metabolism if it gets sluggish due to a plateau in your routine.
For strength training, try a weight or resistance
training program. To get your cardio fill, hit a high-intensity kickboxing or Zumba
class, hit the treadmill or elliptical, or go jogging. For flexibility
training, try yoga or Pilates classes. Our options are truly unlimited when it
comes to different types of exercises—the key is to choose activities you like
and will stick with.
image: well.blogs.nytimes.com
image: well.blogs.nytimes.com
