That is a lofty goal, but since you are asking if there is a healthy way to lose weight in the most efficient way, there are a few tips you can use. I've just got to ask (before I provide exercise tips): have you considered that you are already at your ideal weight? (Do you mind telling us what your height and weight are, as well as your age?)
Since you are already working out 6 times per week, eating healthy...what can you do differently to shed a few extra pounds before the holidays (or, at least look like you did?). Here are some tips:
- Change it up! Instead of hiking 6 days a week, challenge your body to a new activity (don't over do-it, so as to cause injury). This can be anything that you don't typically do: swimming, fast dance class, kickboxing, stair climbing, etc.
- Work different muscle groups (the large muscle groups in your legs will burn many calories). Great exercises include the most difficult ones, that workout all parts of your body: lunges with weights (move weight side-to-side from hip-to-hip), jumping jacks with knee raises, "suicides" (not sure real name!) where you jump up and reach up as high as you can, and drop down quickly to the ground for a push up, then repeat. You get the idea--the "bootcamp" type exercises where you are using all of your muscles, particularly large muscle groups, combining strength training (weights, push ups) and cardio.
- Toning. Sometimes just toning up specific muscles that we want to "show off" is the best bang-for-our-buck. Want to wear sleeveless dress, than work on toning your arms and shoulders with free weights or pilates class.
- Eat whole wheat grains, veggies and fruit. Stay away from foods that make you feel bloated (think fast food, highly processed, alcohol, etc).
- Self tanner. There are some great products on the market that add a little shimmer to your skin, and many women swear that a tan makes them look pounds thinner!
As far as your abs specifically, the same rules apply as above. Change up your current routine with challenging your abs to new exercises. A medicine ball is great for abs (many will come with instructions and suggested exercises). The best "core work" involves exercises that you must balance and engage your core (kickboxing, yoga, pilates), and many gyms would give you a few classes to try out for free!
Do these ideas get you moving in the right direction? I bet this is a hot topic, and you will hear from other women, too!
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That is a lofty goal, but since you are asking if there is a healthy way to lose weight in the most efficient way, there are a few tips you can use. I've just got to ask (before I provide exercise tips): have you considered that you are already at your ideal weight? (Do you mind telling us what your height and weight are, as well as your age?)
Since you are already working out 6 times per week, eating healthy...what can you do differently to shed a few extra pounds before the holidays (or, at least look like you did?). Here are some tips:
- Change it up! Instead of hiking 6 days a week, challenge your body to a new activity (don't over do-it, so as to cause injury). This can be anything that you don't typically do: swimming, fast dance class, kickboxing, stair climbing, etc.
- Work different muscle groups (the large muscle groups in your legs will burn many calories). Great exercises include the most difficult ones, that workout all parts of your body: lunges with weights (move weight side-to-side from hip-to-hip), jumping jacks with knee raises, "suicides" (not sure real name!) where you jump up and reach up as high as you can, and drop down quickly to the ground for a push up, then repeat. You get the idea--the "bootcamp" type exercises where you are using all of your muscles, particularly large muscle groups, combining strength training (weights, push ups) and cardio.
- Toning. Sometimes just toning up specific muscles that we want to "show off" is the best bang-for-our-buck. Want to wear sleeveless dress, than work on toning your arms and shoulders with free weights or pilates class.
- Eat whole wheat grains, veggies and fruit. Stay away from foods that make you feel bloated (think fast food, highly processed, alcohol, etc).
- Self tanner. There are some great products on the market that add a little shimmer to your skin, and many women swear that a tan makes them look pounds thinner!
As far as your abs specifically, the same rules apply as above. Change up your current routine with challenging your abs to new exercises. A medicine ball is great for abs (many will come with instructions and suggested exercises). The best "core work" involves exercises that you must balance and engage your core (kickboxing, yoga, pilates), and many gyms would give you a few classes to try out for free!
Do these ideas get you moving in the right direction? I bet this is a hot topic, and you will hear from other women, too!
November 29, 2009 - 7:24pmThis Comment
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