See Results When You Exercise

Some women overlook the need to keep physically active when striving to get healthy and slim. They might focus on eating certain foods that are rich in healthy vitamins and minerals. They might concentrate on only consuming a small amount of those valuable nutrients. But if you are not physically active, then dieting alone is not going to help you have the healthier, slimmer body you want.

Take a few moments to think of your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to following through with a health plan. Is it harder for you to eat nutritious meals or exercise? 

Might this be you?  You can manage to eat less fairly easily; it’s not that big of a deal. But you would rather starve than exercise. The problem is that even if you eat less and stay inactive, you will never build the muscles necessary to build tone, burn fat and manage your weight effectively for the long term.  Actually, eating less calories can slow your metabolism and cause your body to lose muscle mass.

Studies show that many people who suffer through depression or have a low self esteem are those who are not active. When you exercise, your body produces endorphins. Endorphins are a hormonal energy that, when produced, make you feel happy. The more you exercise, the more confident and happier you tend to be.

If the results you want to see aren’t happening as fast as you would like them to, don’t give up. Your body adapts to your movement – sometimes creating muscles, sometimes toning, sometimes improving your digestive tract and sometimes removing excess fat.

Here are two keys to help you get the results you want:

1.                   Don’t just do cardio. Though cardio is crucial to losing weight and having the body you want, that is not the only thing you need to do to slim down. It is necessary to work all of your muscles, lower body, upper body, arms, legs, back, etc. This is best done with resistance training. Resistance training will provide your whole body with the workout it needs to transform your body into a healthier, slimmer you!

2.                   Modify your cardio. Rather than simply running on the treadmill or outside, try mixing it up. Use the elliptical and stationary bikes. ‘Spinning’ classes can help you sweat off 500-800 calories in only an hour’s time. Whatever you do, switch intensity levels, incline degrees and challenge yourself by pushing harder. 

If you dread the task of exercising, think about how you’ll feel after you finish. Make it part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth and going to work. You can have the healthy body you deserve by doing the right exercises on a consistent basis. 

To a healthier you!