About Rapid Weight Loss

The Benefits of Home Exercise

We all would like to lose weight and get in shape with a minimal effort. That’s how the fitness informercial makes billions per year, promising miraculous results without breaking a sweat.

If you are not fooled by their claims then you know you have to work at getting in shape and losing unwanted pounds. So where do you go for a challenging workout? If you are into walking and running, during the temperate seasons you can get your cardio exercise in the great outdoors.

Body Building

Tony Horton won acclaim with his fitness techniques, which appeared in Men’s Fitness Magazine and established Tony as an on-camera presence as the spokesperson for Nordic Track. Then, in the late 90′s, Tony was retained by a major Hollywood studio to condition the entire cast of the motion picture The 13th Warrior.

Tips to Make Your Weight Loss Permanent

Don’t just lose 10 pounds. Keep it off. Or lose more and keep it off. In fact you might want to join a weight loss program where you receive personal support if you have more than 25 pounds to lose before you reach your ideal weight.

Another resource that might help you is listening to weight loss CD’s. This will help you consciously and subconsciously decide you want to reach and maintain your idea weight. For your conscious mind, declare “With each moment that passes, I am reaching and maintaining my ideal weight!” Repeat this personal declaration every day. Then use a program that reaches your subconscious with suggestive messages.

These types of programs are designed to help automatically adjust the amount and types of food you eat and make a concerted effort to change your lifestyle around eating. Most also suggest you become more active, such as parking further from the grocery store so you can walk a little more or use the stairs instead of an elevator when you have just one or two flights. Of course, the more you do, the better you will feel.

Also, learn to accept weight loss in small doses. Permanent and ideal weight loss works best when you lose one percent of your weight each week. Going for more weight loss often is the recipe for weight gain in the future. Go slow and steady and you will be able to reach your ideal weight, and maintain it for the course for your life!

Designing a Home Gym

If you decide that working out at home makes the most sense, the first consideration will be the location when it comes time to design your home gym. You may choose the basement. But if it is dark and damp, this is not an inspiring environment. Another consideration is an extra bedroom or part of a family room or den. You want an inviting location that is well ventilated and provides sufficient light. For those that like to keep up with the latest news or the soaps, a room with a television would be appropriate. If your home gym design is inviting, you will be more likely to use it more often.

If lack of space is a consideration, there is fitness equipment like folding treadmill or compact home gyms that minimize required space.

Selecting the Proper Equipment

In determining what fitness equipment to purchase, you need to define your goals and consider the type of exercise machines that can help you reach those goals. Numerous homes are littered with unused exercise equipment that substitutes for clothes hangers. Too often people buy infomercial equipment that is that latest fad. They discover that the exercise bores them, and that the equipment is poorly built and does not deliver on the promises.

Another common mistake is buying cheap equipment that provides an unsatisfactory workout and frequently requires repair. This is particularly true when purchasing a treadmill. A cheap treadmill is unstable, noisy and can be a shock to your joints.

There are tips on buying various types of fitness equipment:

For walkers and runners a treadmill is a logical choice. And the good news is the recent models are built for endurance and a pleasurable cardio experience. A Treadmill is the most efficient equipment to burn calories and lose weight, that is why they are the most popular.

You’ll want a treadmill with a motor that is continuous duty with a rating of at least 2.0 HP. Continuous duty motors give you constant maximum power. Non continuous motors are unable to run smoothly for an extended period of time.

Select a treadmill that accommodates your stride with an adequate length and width. The deck should be at least 18″ x 53″. If you are a runner and tall, you may want to consider a “stretch” model. The deck should have a reasonable amount of cushion for minimal impact on your feet, ankles and knees. Several manufacturers offer extra thick cushioned treadmills as an option.

For variety you’ll want a treadmill with incline control and computerized programming. Incline control simulates an uphill climb, while the electronics can be programmed to create a diversity of running or walking experiences.

Elliptical trainers offer a no-impact workout that exercises numerous muscle groups. This is achieved through the dual cross-trainer arms combined with the foot pedals. Elliptical trainers provide the following advantages:

Time Efficiency – The dual action of arms and legs optimizes energy expenditure. Requires less time to achieve more results.

Weight Bearing Exercise – Builds bone density and burns calories more efficiently. Inhibits the onset of osteoporosis.

No Impact – Safe for joints. Ideal workout for people with back, knee, hips and joint problems.

Low Maintenance – Less impact means less wear and tear.

Small Footprint – Does not take up valuable floor space.

As with treadmills, elliptical trainers vary from K-mart specials to health club quality. It is important to find a motorized machine that has a natural stride and is built to last.

This is a just a short list of potential home fitness equipment. It can be supplemented with stationary bikes, free weight, steppers, aerobic videos, rowing machine and countless other products.

Determine your goals (lose weight, build strength, etc.), then narrow your search to the appropriate equipment. The selection needs to be based on what will work for you, not what will be the best for hanging laundry.