The Ultimate Workout
And that brings us to the second thing: If your goal is to lose weight, you should know that working out isn't enough on its own to actually make that happen. There's so much else that goes into weight loss and body fat loss; in fact, exercise isn't even technically necessary to lose weight for most people. We wouldn't ever recommend a weight loss regimen that doesn't include exercise, though, because exercise is good for you and it's a healthy way to live. And on that note, even if you are doing everything "right"—working out regularly, eating appropriately—lifestyle habits like sleep and stress, and health conditions (think thyroid issues, to name just one of many) can get in the way of your weight loss efforts. Weight loss is an extremely personal journey that doesn't look or work the exact same way from one person to the next.
With those disclaimers out of the way, however, it's also true that there are certain exercises and workouts that can be particularly useful in helping you lose weight or burn fat or change your body composition as you please (and, on that token, there are certain mistakes you might be making in your exercise routines that can get in the way of your weight loss goals). The best workouts for weight loss, as we explore below, all have certain elements in common: They're generally high-intensity and they burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time.
But first, here are some very basic things you should know before you get started on a new exercise regimen for weight loss.
1. Your food choices—how you fuel your body—are even more important than your workout choices. I covered this above, but it's worth reiterating: healthy eating habits are even more important than your exercise routine if your goal is to see permanent changes on the scale.
2. Exercise should become part of your routine in a meaningful way. In order to see results, hitting the elliptical for 30 minutes while you catch up with the Kardashians once a week just isn't going to cut it. Instead, aim for three workouts if you're just getting into a routine again, or five to six sessions if you've been at it for a while, says Holly Rilinger, a Nike master trainer, master Flywheel instructor, and star of Bravo's Work Out New York. "And keep in mind that rest is key to reset mentally, physically, and emotionally, so make sure to build in at least one full rest day."
3. You'll need to really push yourself in every workout you do. It's kind of a big deal that you bring your A-game to each and every workout. "I'd rather see you do balls-to-the-wall workouts three times a week than see you give 50 percent for five days," says Rilinger. "Decide when you walk through that door you are going to give it 100 percent the entire time, and check in throughout your workout with one simple question: Can I give more?"
4. You'll need to find a workout you genuinely enjoy if you have any hope of sticking with it. "Finding a trainer or workout that makes you happy is actually really important to weight loss," says Rilinger. When you enjoy doing it you'll be more likely to stick with it. Below are 10 workouts that will help you reach your weight loss goal. If you've tried one of the classes here and there and didn't really love it, don't give up on the sport or practice altogether. You may not have found an instructor you love yet, and that can make or break your goals.
