A Beginner's Guide to Fat Loss

By Levi Herbert

The most common goal for starting a fitness routine is to get rid of unwanted body fat that has accumulated throughout the body. A good fitness routine can assist with the shedding of this body fat, while also helping to prevent heart disease, stroke and other medical ailments. In addition, the loss of excess body fat through a proper fitness routine builds confidence with a healthier body as well as the knowledge of knowing you are not part of the 85% of lazy Americans.

Beginning a fat reducing workout can be confusing and difficult as many individuals are unaware of what the body needs t succeed. This lesson provides the beginner with exactly what the body needs in order to melt away despair and replace it with confidence and self satisfaction.

In general, the belief is that in order to lose fat, the body must burn more calories than it takes in. However, the sad thing is that this can be done safely or dangerously with the latter being the most performed. In truth, the body does not need hours of vigorous exercise combined with starvation in order to burn fat. In actuality, it requires a routine designed to give maximum calorie utilization by putting the body in the metabolic zone.

For the beginner, this is best achieved from both a cardio AND weight training routine. Forget what you have been told, weight lifting in general does not create a body builder muscle structure. The routine outlined below employs weight training to tone the bodys muscles and increase long term calorie expenditure.

Cardio - This can be done through either treadmills or stationary bikes, however the treadmill typically yields a greater result.

Known as High Intensity Interval Training, this method is highly recommended by enthusiasts worldwide.

1. The Warm Up

Begin with low intensity running or biking, to prime the muscles and reduce pain or injury in exercise. Continue for 5 minutes at a slow pace.

2. High Intensity - Step up the pace to about 85% of your ability for a time period of 30 seconds.

3.Low Intensity - reduce your speed to a walking pace, at about 25% effort, and maintain for 1.5 minutes

Continue alternating this high intensity, low intensity workout for a period of 30 minutes. This will increase calorie expenditure and reduce the risk of injury.

The road to reducing body fat is a difficult but maintainable process. Do not be discouraged by the lack of immediate loss, as losing fat occurs over time. Following the method outlined above will definitely allow the individual to begin seeing real results if practiced correctly. Many other methods are noted in the fitness community, so do not settle for less than what you are capable of achieving. Stay motivated, work hard, and never forget the amazing life changes a fitness oriented lifestyle has in store!

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