Fitness Options For Weight Loss
Moving my body for a minimum of 30 minutes a day helped me lose 75 pounds!!!
I started to explore the wonderful world of fitness in 2011 after my 3rd pregnancy. I bought various fitness programs, most included cardio, core work, and strength training with weights. In 2018 I made fitness a non-negotiable in my life and began to explore other fitness options including yoga, Pilates, PIYO, Barre workouts, and martial arts. I have found that my favorite options, the workouts that I’m always excited to start, include weight training, yoga, Pilates, and Barre components.
In the spring of 2022, my relationship of 19 years ended and I was faced with a divorce and single parenting. Workouts became a survival tool for me. I actually worked out multiple times a day. It gave me an outlet for all of my emotions, calmed my anxiety, and improved my mental health. Someone asked, "don't you get sick of doing workouts every day?" My answer, "No! I crave working out now, because it makes me feel so good!".
The key to fitness is to find something you love to do and make it a non-negotiable!!! I’m excited to share just a few of the many options to choose from in the world of fitness. All you need to do is move your body for 30 minutes a day and watch your weight loss transformation begin!!!
Fitness Environment:
For some people working out somewhere like a gym or other fitness center is what works best for them. For others working out from home/home gym set up is what works best. Some people find motivation/accountability when working out in a group or having a work out partner. Some like to work out by themselves because it gives them alone time. What’s most important is finding the option that will keep you motivated and accountable.
For me personally, I’ve never felt very comfortable working out around others, so I choose to workout from home. Also, as a working mom of 2 children, I had to workout from home if I was going to make it a non-negotiable. Going back and forth to a gym and finding a sitter made it too complicated. In 2018 when I started my weight loss journey, I dedicated a space in my basement for my workouts! Having a dedicated spot (just for me) always set up with a selection of appropriate weights (I started with 2, 3, and 5-pound dumb bells. Now I have 8s, 10s, 12s, 15s, 20s, 25s, and a 30), bands (3 tension levels), yoga mat, mirror, and a table for my computer created a convenience which led to consistency and success!! Click here for a link to some of my go to fitness equipment!!
When I first started to workout daily, I chose to do so in the evening after supper. Then I realized it was more effective to workout before supper and I felt satisfied and full after a challenging workout. After my divorce, I was forced to pick up a second job and I was just too exhausted when I got home, so I started getting up earlier in the morning to get my workout done before I even left the house in the morning. This is now my favorite option because I get up, get my workout done and I don’t have to think about it the rest of the day.
Just get started, you might need to experiment a little before you find what works best for you, but you have to get started first!!
Fitness Options:
There are so many fitness options! I’m sharing only a few, the ones that I have practiced myself.
Weight Training/Lifting: This is one of my favorite options! You can work your entire body from head to toe using weights. You build muscle which helps burn fat and boosts your metabolism, burning fat long after the workout is complete! I always feel very powerful after lifting weights. This option is adaptable for any fitness level. For example, you can perform the same moves just add more weight or increase your range of motion as you progress. The options are endless!!
Cardio: My favorite cardio options are walking, hiking, biking, or dancing. My least favorite cardio is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). For example, burpees, jumping jacks, suicides, high knees, anything that makes your heart rate skyrocket quickly. I have practiced running in the past, but I have come to the conclusion that running is not the best option for me, but so many people enjoy it.
Yoga: I love yoga! I think a lot of people think of yoga as more of a meditation option, but is actually a great way to build lean muscle, increase flexibility, and practice balance. Yoga is very versatile and has beginner, intermediate, and advanced options. It is a wonderful practice and is low impact!
Pilates: I equally love Pilates! This fitness option is largely based on your core, your pillar of strength. There are moves in Pilates that work all parts of your body, but it is heavily focused on your core and breathing in co-ordination with each movement. Pilates is another low impact option. However, it can be very intense because there is so much core work and you are working smaller muscle groups you're not used to working.
PIYO (a mix of Pilates and yoga) and Barre workouts are some other forms of fitness that I enjoy! They are both very low impact, but are equally challenging!!!
One of the best ways to get motivated is looking great while working out!! If I throw on a cute outfit that boosts my confidence, I feel unstoppable and am ready to take on any workout!! Click here to see some of my favorite workout apparel!!
Starting any fitness option needs to be done is small steps. You need to meet your body where it is at. Don’t push too hard too fast or you risk an injury, which isn’t worth it because that will set you back. I started with low impact options and light weights and have added more challenging aspects as my body has progressed. You also need to give yourself grace, it will take time to find your groove. The most important thing is to be dedicated to moving your body every day and the rest will fall in place!!
If you are ready to lose weight and feel great, get that body moving and check out my online courses! These courses are a step by step guide to your very own weight loss journey!!!
Weight Loss: Essentials For Success (Online Course)
Nutrition For Weight Loss and Overall Health & Wellness (Online Course)
