Workout Programs for Weight Loss

By MelanieL

Combining a workout program of cardiovascular training, strength training and yoga will help with weight loss. Factoring each into your workout program will help ensure continued success for weight loss as your fitness routine keeps changing. Combining all three aspects into your normal routine will give overall benefits of good health.
Cardiovascular Training

Cardiovascular training should be a part of every workout program. Activities can include dancing, walking, jogging or climbing stairs. Moderate physical activity 30 minutes per day offers benefits to your health, according to the American Heart Association. Weight control, stress reduction, disease prevention---particularly the reduction of the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation---are all related benefits. The more aerobically fit you are, the easier it will become to do daily activities and more advanced cardiovascular activities. It will also be easier for your lungs, heart and blood vessels to transport oxygen through the body.
Strength Training

Adding strength training 3 to 4 days per week . Strength training will increase your metabolism, increase bone density, increase muscle mass and leave you looking toned. Having leaner muscles will burn more calories which likewise encourages weight loss. Complete three sets of eight to 12 repetitions, resting 30 seconds between sets. Train eight to 12 major muscle groups on both the upper body and lower body on non-consecutive days for 45 to 60 minutes.
Yoga

In a uniformed approach, yoga tones the body and has amazing benefits for both the body and mind. Becoming more in touch with your body allows you to become more susceptible to change which can help with implementing a better lifestyle leading to weight loss. Yoga positions lubricate ligaments, tendons and joints while increasing flexibility. Yoga may be the only form of activity that massages organs and glands in the body as well. Stretching muscles and joints ensures blood supply to many parts of the body allowing for complete detoxification. Flushing out toxins can delay the aging process and increase energy. Yoga can be practiced daily for 60 to 90 minutes, but do what fits your schedule as any yoga is better than none. Shorter sessions of 20 to 30 minutes are better than one 90-minute session per week.