The two most effective exercises for losing fat are both very simple, but you've probably never even thought of them as exercises before. The first one is what I like to call "mouth closes." After you enjoy a sensible portion of a balanced meal, simply close your mouth and then keep it closed. Once you're satisfied, stop eating!
Then comes time to move on to the next exercise: "table push-aways." Whenever someone places a plate full of donuts, cookies, fried food, or whatever else you know you shouldn't be eating in front of you, simply push it away!
Okay, I'm being playful. But I had to make a very important point–that 80 percent of
your fat loss success is going to come down to proper nutrition. Your "diet" is going to play a major role in how you look and feel. You need to eat nutritious whole foods in sensible amounts and stay away from the processed garbage.
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But while diet is very important, it isn't the only factor. There's still another 20 percent. And that 20 percent comes from exercise. That small percentage can be the difference between consistently losing weight and getting stuck in one of those frustrating plateaus–especially as a woman, because women find it harder to lose fat through diet alone. If you want to get that tight tummy and toned legs, you have to give your body that extra push. You won't get it by just sitting on the couch.
But this doesn't mean you have to spend long hours at the gym. You don't have to chain yourself to the treadmill or elliptical. Fat loss exercises can be fast, effective–and most importantly of all, fun!
And while there are many reasons the treadmill isn't exactly the best choice (it can feel unnatural and offers very little metabolism boosting advantages), the biggest problem with it is that: It's just plain boring! There's no variety. Every step is the same. It makes exercising feel like torture. It makes it feel like work. And that is NOT how it's supposed to feel. Boredom is the reason most people turn their backs on their healthy lifestyle. We get bored, burn out, and quit.
But if you were having fun while exercising, you'd be much more likely to stick it out. And you would get the results they're looking for. That's why the best fat loss exercises are the ones you enjoy to do–exercises that are fun, exciting, and challenge both your body and your mind.
A good way to keep things exciting is to learn some new skills. You have so many options: Sign up for Zumba. Take a boxing class. Jump rope. Lift weights. Go for a swim. By constantly mixing up your workouts, you accomplish two very important things. First, you keep your body confused. You don't allow it to adapt, so you're able to consistently burn fat. And most importantly: it keeps you from getting bored. Exercise is only helpful when you actually stick with it!
So don't be afraid to try new things! And if you don't want to try those things alone, share this article with your friends. Maybe you'll motivate one of them to join you. Having a good workout partner makes everything more fun.
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