Introduction
It’s no secret that maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health and wellness. But did you know that being physically active is one of the best ways to achieve and maintain a healthy weight? There are many benefits to being physically active, including reducing your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. And not to mention, it can also help boost your mood, improve your sleep, and reduce stress levels. But if you’re not used to being physically active, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this blog post with some tips and ideas for how you can get started on your journey to a healthier weight through physical activity.
The benefits of physical activity
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can help:
- Control your weight
- Reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke
- Reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Reduce your risk of some cancers
- Strengthen your bones and muscles
- Improve your mental health and mood
- Improve your ability to do daily activities and reduce your risk of falls
- Increase your chances of living longer
The best types of physical activity for weight loss
There are many different types of physical activity, but not all of them are equally effective for weight loss. Some types of exercise are better than others when it comes to burning calories and helping you shed unwanted pounds.
Here are some of the best types of physical activity for weight loss:
- Cardio Exercise: Cardio exercise is any type of exercise that gets your heart rate up and keeps it there for an extended period of time. This could include activities like running, biking, swimming, or playing tennis. Cardio exercise is one of the most effective forms of exercise for weight loss because it helps you burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time.
- Strength Training: Strength training is another great type of exercise for weight loss. It helps you build muscle, which in turn helps you burn more calories both during and after your workout. Strength-training exercises like lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises are especially helpful in this regard.
- Interval Training: Interval training is a type of cardio exercise that involves alternating periods of high-intensity effort with periods of low-intensity effort (or rest). This type of workout is very effective at burning calories and can help you lose weight quickly.
- Circuit Training: Circuit training is a type of strength-training workout that involves going from one exercise to another with little or no rest in between. This type of workout is very efficient at burning calories and can help you lose
How much physical activity do you need to lose weight?
The amount of physical activity needed to lose weight will vary from person to person. A general rule of thumb is that you need to burn more calories than you consume in order to lose weight.
To determine how many calories you should consume in a day, start by calculating your basal metabolic rate (BMR). This is the number of calories your body burns at rest. Once you know your BMR, you can create a calorie deficit by eating less and/or burning more calories through physical activity.
A safe and sustainable rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. This means creating a calorie deficit of 500-1,000 calories per day. This can be done through a combination of diet and exercise.
If you want to lose weight faster, you can create a larger calorie deficit. However, this is not recommended as it can lead to unhealthy levels of weight loss and other health problems. If you are looking to lose weight quickly, it is best to speak with a doctor or registered dietitian first.
Tips for getting started with physical activity
- Start slow and gradually increase your activity level.
- Choose activities you enjoy and that fit into your schedule.
- Set realistic goals for yourself, such as gradually increasing the amount of time you spend being active each week.
- Find a workout buddy or join a group to help you stay motivated.
- Consider meeting with a personal trainer or another fitness professional to help you develop an exercise plan that is safe and effective for you.
The bottom line
Any physical activity is better than none when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. Even small amounts of regular physical activity can have significant health benefits. And, as always, the more you do the better. Just remember that the best way to lose weight is to focus on eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.