5 great workouts out to help you lose weight and tone up
If you’re looking to get in shape for the festive season these great workouts will help you reach your fitness goals.
The autumn nights are drawing in and our thoughts are inevitably turning towards Christmas. Many people use these interim months to get in shape ready for the festive season, both so that they can look in peak condition for all those Christmas parties, and so that they can indulge guilt-free when the Christmas period finally arrives.
We asked a personal trainer in East London to tell us the best workouts to help you shape up ready for Christmas.
HIIT workouts
If you’re looking to improve your strength, stamina and fitness, as well as dropping pounds, you might want to give high intensity interval training (HIIT) a try. Basically, HIIT workouts alternate bursts of intense activity with shorter rest periods and this type of exercise has been proven to be really effective at building muscle and burning fat. It’s also a really efficient exercise method, enabling you to pack all the benefits of a traditional hour-long workout into a 30-minute HIIT session – perfect if you struggle to find the time to exercise regularly.
Running
Running is the perfect exercise if you’re looking to shape up and lose weight quickly as it’s really effective at burning fat and calories, as well as helping to tone up problem areas. It’s especially good at burning fat around the stomach area (visceral fat), which has been linked to serious conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The best thing about running is that you don’t need an expensive gym membership – get yourself a decent pair of running shoes and you’re ready to go. If running isn’t for you, why not try power walking instead? It offers many of the same benefits but is lower intensity and easier on the joints.
Weight lifting
When you think about losing weight and getting in shape, you probably automatically think of cardio-based exercise. However, if you really want to see results you need to incorporate some weight training into your regime. As well as building strength and promoting muscle growth, regular strength-based training also boosts your metabolic rate, making it great for burning fat and calories. Just be sure to get some advice from a professional to make sure you are using the correct form.
Yoga and Pilates
Getting in shape is about more than just losing weight, so if you prefer something a little more low-impact, you could try a yoga or pilates class. They may not burn as many calories as a long run or a HIIT workout, but they are great for elongating and toning your muscles, and improving your posture – helping you to look and feel amazing in that Christmas party dress.
Team sports
Motivation can be huge a barrier to exercise – especially during the cold winter months. So, if you struggle with self-motivation, you might want to consider joining a sports team, or teaming up with someone to try out a partner sport such as squash or badminton. If you know you have other people relying on you, you’re much more likely to make the effort to turn up. And you’ll be having so much fun you’ll be losing weight and getting fit without even realising it.
The most effective exercise regimes are those that offer variety, so don’t be afraid to change things up by following a fitness plan that includes cardio, strength and stretching-based exercises – your body will thank you for it. By combining a well-rounded exercise plan with a healthy dose of commitment and motivation, you’ll soon be looking and feeling your best for all those Christmas parties.