Exercise and Weight Loss

A great advantage of regular sustained exercise is the fact that this promotes an increase in both the BMR and the action of thermogenisis. This means the body makes more efficient use of the calories it is provided with for functioning of bodily systems. This of course is good because it means less is deposited as fat.

Another factor of regular exercise is that, even when just doing fairly easy exercise like brisk walking that is sustained and regular, month and year round, it does add up to quite a noticeable weight loss in the long term and is a good contributor to keeping that weight off. Regular exercise also has the effect of decreasing the appetite meaning those who exercise are less likely to feel hungry all the time and this decreases the desire for sporadic binge eating.

The benefits of regular exercise are many. Some of these benefits are:

• strengthened heart muscle and general cardiovascular system
  
  
• decreased risk of heart disease and stroke as the blood is being regularly flushed through due to increased heart rate during exercise, effectively reducing cholesterol build up
  
  
• a general feeling of health and well being, which in itself leads to another benefit and that is the reduction of stress. A brisk walk can go a long way toward helping reduce stress levels
  
  
• stronger, firmer and more shapely muscle tissue which all work toward a fitter looking body
  
  
• strengthening of the skeletal structure, even reducing the risk of brittle bone disease
  
  
• regular exercise is a factor in helping reduce blood pressure and contributes toward a more sound night’s sleep which is important for general good health.

If you have not exercised for many years, then one form of exercise that is a good way to start is, as already mentioned, brisk walking for ten minutes or so a day, you can build up to a longer duration and brisker pace in time.

It is very important to set goals before embarking on any endeavour for how will you know how to get to where you want to be if you have not first planned a route. This is of course true in the case of weight loss. It is not just goal setting that matters but the setting of realistic and achievable goals that are within your vision, because unless you can see yourself at the place you want to be you will never get there. Setting goals also enables you to establish a plan of stages to reach your desired result. Mini goals can be set along the way and be like stepping stones toward the final vision. Rewards for each stage reached can also be given and this is a form of motivation and encouragement to keep going. Setting goals also helps people to see where they are and where they can be and gives them a formula for getting there. Visual aids like charts and graphs are a good idea and also help to encourage. If any weight loss plan is to be effective and lasting, setting goals for the individual are essential, no matter how small they seem to be. There is great feeling that comes with achieving your goal.

In the meantime, stay healthy.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article has been written for educational purposes only. Before undertaking any form of diet or exercise regime you should consult your doctor before commencement, particularly if there is an underlying medical condition.