Exercise Tips to Lose Inches

For those struggling with weight loss, exercising can be a chore. Dieters often look for the holy grail when it comes to working out. They search for one surefire way of dropping the excess pounds as quickly as possible. While there isn't just one way for losing unwanted inches, several tips will help get you closer to your weight-loss goal.

Focus on Cardio

Getting your heart rate up for a consistent period of time is still one of the best ways for losing inches overall. Step aerobics is the highest calorie-burning cardio activity, according to ShapeFit.com. Bicycling and swimming are also high on the list of the best ways for burning fat fast. Good old-fashioned walking is also a solid activity for losing inches and is an easy activity to incorporate every day.

Stretch and Lengthen

Exercises like yoga and Pilates are notorious for slimming and improving your body shape. These activities focus on your core (the mid-section of your body) and may appear at first not to be accomplishing much. Over time though, you will see that inches are shed during these exercises that use your own body weight as resistance.

Establish a Routine, Then Mix It Up

Boredom is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to keeping up with your exercise routine. You will need consistency not only to lose inches but also to keep them off. So, first of all, make a commitment to consistently exercise by scheduling it into your week. Then, attend an aerobics class one day, a yoga class another and swim on the third day. Vary your program as much as possible.

Hire a Trainer

A trainer can help you target specific weight-loss goals. You may not need to continue her services long-term, but initially she can suggest what exercises would be most beneficial for your specific concerns. For example, if losing inches around your thighs is a concern, she may suggest concentrating on either squats or the yoga chair pose.

Fill in the Gaps

You don't have to wait until you're at the gym to exercise. Find creative ways to combine exercise with other activities. Do sit-ups while watching TV. Lift small weights while you're at your computer. Ride bikes with your kids. Just keep moving and have fun while you're working off those inches.