Obesity will soon become the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, even ahead of cigarette smoking. Obesity leads to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke, and even an increased risk of cancer. With all of these health risks, as well as the general improvement in quality of life that can occur, losing weight is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
No matter what we would like to believe, there is simply no magic solution to losing weight. The body will shed excess fat when it needs more calories to function through the demands you place on it that day than the amount of calories you feed it.
Everyone often spends a lot of time explaining what to eat, in what quantity and even at what time or in what combinations. But few emphasize the importance of exercise—not just for weight loss, but for your overall health and well-being. Exercise is vital when trying to lose weight for several reasons:
First, when you start eating less, your metabolism slows down somewhat. Second, as mentioned before, you burn more calories with exercise, so you can lose weight faster and stay motivated in your efforts.
Exercise doesn't have to mean spending hours in the gym or straining through grueling workouts. In fact, to stick with it long term, exercise should be something you enjoy. When you go shopping, park further away from the mall door. Go for a walk in a park or in a neighborhood you like, and take your dog or friend with you.
Once you become more active in general, it will be easier and more natural for you to transition to regular exercise. Which you will eventually need to do to get regular, noticeable health benefits. You need to get your heart rate up to fat burning levels and keep it there for at least 20 minutes, 3 times or more per week. That way, you can change your routine whenever you want, so you don't get bored of what you're doing. Try a range of aerobics, kickboxing, yoga or virtually any activity you want, right in the comfort of your own home.
If you have physical limitations that would prevent you from exercising, you can still find a way to increase your activity level. Water aerobics is a great option for those with joint problems or limited mobility, as it relieves the pressure on your body provided by your weight. There are even lessons and videos that allow you to practice while sitting.
Whatever type of exercise you choose, it's important to stay motivated and have fun, or get a pedometer, a device that tracks how far you walk, and see how many kilometers you can walk in a week. Make it a competition between your friends or family, and treat the winner to something special (non-food!). Make exercise something you look forward to, and it will soon become a regular part of your healthier lifestyle. So Exercise is very essential for our health.
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