Welcome back to this week’s edition of 2-Minute Tuesdays where we are talking about one exercise topic for two minutes and giving you three reasons why you should follow our advice. Now this week, we are talking to those of you who are trying to work off the winter weight. The winter season is officially over and you want to shed the pounds that you put on over the holidays. What things do you need to keep in mind with your exercise to lose the weight in a safe and effective manner with long term results?
1) Consistency Trumps Intensity
Tip number one – keep in mind that consistency trumps intensity. As you are thinking about jumping back into your weight loss goals, remember to prioritize the consistency of exercising over the amount or intensity of the exercise that you do.
Action Step: Get in the habit of being healthy by making sure you are exercising every day that you intend to. Even if you only have 10 or 15 minutes, being consistent by continually exercising will be far more beneficial in the long term than not exercising because you can’t get enough of a workout in.
Related: 3 Exercise Myths That Are Holding You Back
2) Don’t Only Use Exercise To Work Off The Weight
Tip number two – don’t try to work off all of the weight by only using exercise. You are going to have to strongly consider your nutrition as well. You cannot out-exercise a bad diet, so if you are unsure of what you should be eating, make sure to connect with a licensed nutritionist or registered dietician in your area.
Action Step: Have you considered what you are putting into your body as much as what you are going to do with your body? If not, you need to find a nutritionist or dietician in your area that can help you. You can also find some that work online, too!
Related: Getting over an illness? Check out these exercise tips!
3) Do A Mix Of Both Cardio And Weights
Tip number three – make sure you are doing a mix of cardiovascular and weight training exercise. It is very important that you do cardio – and for most people who are trying to lose weight, cardio can be a favorite activity – but resistance training will be very important as you try to lose weight, too. Resistance training is what is going to keep your body strong and help you maintain muscle as you try to burn fat.
Action Step: Not sure where to start with your resistance training? Download our free guide here (The 5-Minute Mobility Check) to help get you started!