Weight Loss Exercises - The Best Cardio Routines to Lose Weight

Workout Routines To Lose Weight :

One of the best ways to accelerate weight loss is to do cardio routines. Cardio gets your heart rate up, gets the blood flowing, raises body temperature and heightens calorie consumption. Cardio also strengthens your heart and lungs, improve circulation and other bodily functions. If done correctly, cardio routines can prove to be a valuable asset in your health and weight loss program.

Weight Loss Exercises - The Best Cardio Routines to Lose Weight

But which cardio routines work best for you? Which are the best weight loss exercises?

Here are common cardio routines arranged from the most to the least effective in terms of weight loss:

1. Running - Running is a massive cardio routine because it gets every part of your body moving. Running can be a high intensity workout all by itself. If you do run, make sure to swing your arms and really get your entire body into the motion. Take care not to run if you experience knee or back pain. Try running on a soft surface such as grass or sand and minimize the time you run on asphalt. If you suffered any sort of physical injury in the past, consult your doctor before running.

2. Cycling - Bicycle riding (as long as it's done outdoors) is a great cardio routine. Of course you need to be proficient in riding a bike, but it can really get your heart pumping. Make sure to ride only in safe places. Avoid the side of busy roads. Stick to bicycle lanes whenever possible.

3. Rowing Machine - The rowing machine is a personal favorite of mine as it's not only a cardio machine but also a great strength builder for the back and biceps. The one downfall of this machine is that you're sitting down while doing it. But pumping the rows back and forth gets you sweating in a minute. Of course, rowing a canoe, if that is possible for you, is even more effective.

4. Walking - Walking is also a great cardio routine. Don't stroll, do brisk walking and get your arms into the motion. For added difficulty, you can try walking with small dumbbells or wrist-strap-on weights. Try combining interval running with walking for accelerated weight loss.

5. Swimming - Swimming is a great body building cardio routine as it strengthens the entire body. However, it is difficult for regular swimmers to get their heart rate up while swimming and maintaining that heart rate for a long time.

6. Elliptical - The elliptical is great for people who suffered knee injuries as it doesn't jar your legs. However, it has almost zero resistance and usually doesn't get your upper body into the motion. I like incorporating it into my cool down routine for some added calorie burning.

7. Gym bicycle - I dislike the gym bicycle because you usually sit back and just pedal away. The very act of sitting down makes this a much less effective routine.

Any of the 7 routines I've laid out are good weight loss exercises. Some are more intense than others but can be perfect for you. Make sure to enjoy your cardio routines. Enjoying yourself will also accelerate your weight loss.

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Want Cardio Workouts That Burn Fat, Stay Away From Elliptical Machines and Treadmills

Workout Routines To Lose Weight :

I'm sure there are a few cardio nuts out there that are offended by the tittle and what is to come. So if this is you, I suggest you close your eyes because I am about to let you and everyone else out there in on the secret why cardio workouts that burn fat do not involve elliptical machines or treadmills.

Want Cardio Workouts That Burn Fat, Stay Away From Elliptical Machines and Treadmills

If you do continue to read you will discover effective fat burning methods that will melt away your stubborn belly fat.

Stop wasting your time exercising on the elliptical machine or treadmill. It is time to ditch the long slow boring cardio.

Before I get into things I will first say this. If you love your elliptical machine or treadmill workouts and that is the only exercise routine you are willing to do, then stay on it. That is at least better than nothing. They may not be all that effective but there is no question that it is better than watching TV.

Treadmills and elliptical machines are boring. Why would you want to run on the spot for an hour straight? That does not sound fun at all, especially when you have better options available to you. You could spend half the time doing something that will actually stimulate a fat-burning hormonal response and stimulate your metabolism to a greater extent.

When people are involved in some sort of steady state cardio exercise not much thought is needed. Take a look at any cardio are of any gym and you will see it lined with TVs, magazines, and other material to keep you engaged. Having your thoughts somewhere else while exercising creates a disconnect between the mind and body. When this happens workout performance decreases and your results dramatically decrease too.

If you are the type of person who like to workout from home, these machines are a big expense. If you are going to spend that kind of money on exercise equipment that are better options for that kind of money.

There are studies that suggest that indoor running on a treadmill is less effective. The treadmill belt offers some help by pulling your feet back underneath your body, so you are potentially exerting less energy to move your feet and legs than if you were not on a treadmill. Plus on the treadmill you do not have the wind resistance to contend with making it easier yet again.

Plain and simple, elliptical and treadmill workouts are just boring!

Like I mentioned before when you lose that mind body connection your results drop. And if you are bored your mind body connection is broke.

Here are a few alternatives to elliptical machine and treadmill workouts?

Interval runs or wind sprint workouts - There is no question how effective sprints are for weight loss. Sprinters are always lean and muscular.

Bodyweight exercises - jumping drills, squats, push-ups, mountain climbers, lunges, bear crawls, planks, etc...

Boxing - You do not have to get out the gloves for this. You can do some shadow boxing if you do not have the gear or a training partner. A heavy bag, mitts, or pads work well. Don't limit yourself to punching, throw some knees and kicks in there too. Aside from burning fat and calories it is a great way to relieve some stress.

Jumping rope - or skipping as I call it is tough and effective. There are many variations here, all of which will keep your mind active.

That should give you a few ideas to get off the treadmill and elliptical machine and try some new things. Spice up your workouts, burn more fat and get better results.

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