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Weight Loss

Top 5 Common Characteristics of the Best Weight Loss Exercise Plans

Trying to Shed Pounds? Baltimore Gyms Offer These Weight Loss Solutions

It seems like everyone has a different answer to the question, “What’s the best exercise plan to lose weight?” While this may be confusing, it’s actually good news. Why? Because while some weight loss exercise plans are ill-advised, many work —  which means there are many potential paths to weight loss success.

Whether you prefer to spin, swim, lift, Zumba, or sprint your way to weight loss, however, there are some basic proven tips. Here’s a closer look at five things the best weight loss exercise plans have in common.

5 Things to Keep in Mind For Your Future Weight Loss Exercise Plans

1. Slow and Steady

Congratulations! You’ve decided to make a change toward a healthier, happier life, and losing weight is part of your plan. While you may have an eye on immediate results, jumping right in without pacing yourself can be detrimental. Not only can a too-fast approach be difficult to sustain while also leading to  burnout, but it can also increase the chances of injury. Conversely, a “slow and steady” start can help you to be more successful at keeping off the pounds when the initial push subsides.

Additionally, says US News and Report, “ The psychological effect of depriving yourself or over-exercising in the name of weight loss doesn’t help you keep weight off over the long-term either.”

2. Consistency Counts

If your goal is to make a true lifestyle change, committing to long-term weight loss exercise plans is instrumental. Research suggests that it takes 21 days to make a habit. Making a schedule and sticking to it can help you get through this three-week period. Unfortunately, it’s easy to put exercise as the last thing on your list given the many seemingly more important demands of 21st century living. But the reality is that your health IS mission-critical, so commit to putting exercise — and yourself — first during these 21 days. At the end of this period, you can look forward to results — and a new, fitness-forward mindset.

3. Focus on Form

If you’re looking to maximize your workout benefits while minimizing the risk of a potential goal-derailing injury, working out with the proper form can make all the difference — whether you’re in the pool or in the weight room. If you’re new to the gym or just trying something new, personal trainers offer invaluable partnerships in teaching and reinforcing proper form and technique. Sign up for a personal trainer session today to get started.

4. Embrace Intervals

While endurance training has its benefits, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is increasingly touted by experts as a particularly efficient and effective way to workout. Says the Mayo Clinic, “Once the domain of elite athletes, interval training has become a powerful tool for the average exerciser, too.”

What’s the best part? Not only can interval training be applied to any type of workout, but according to the latest research,  it may even reverse the aging process. Said Mayo Clinic endocrinologist and senior researcher on the study, K. Sreekumaran Nair, M.D., Ph.D., “We encourage everyone to exercise regularly. The take-home message for aging adults is that supervised high-intensity training is probably best. Both metabolically and at the molecular level, HIIT produces the most benefits, but without proper supervision, could make this age group more prone to injury.”

5. Factor in Food

Long-term weight loss success isn’t just about putting in endless hours at the gym. Diet is also an essential part of the equation. Eating the rights foods at the right time can help you keep your calorie and macronutrient intake at optimal levels while providing the fuel your body needs to power through a workout.

In addition to helping you at the gym, some personal trainers can also help you come up with a nutrition plan. Many weight loss experts also recommend starting a food journal.

The Biggest Secret to Sustainable Weight Loss and Fitness

One last thing to keep in mind? Whatever workout you end up choosing, enjoyment is ultimately the key to sustainability. Sign up for a trial pass today to start exploring the many exciting fitness options waiting for you at Brick Bodies. It’s time to enjoy yourself and get the body you want, starting today!

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