1) Consistency – If you don’t stick to it, it’s not going to work. Like any exercise regimen, you need to do it consistently to achieve the desired result. There are no short cuts.
2) Intensity: The harder the exercise, the more weight you will lose.
3) Enjoy: Love the exercise you are doing. If you don’t like swimming try running, if you don’t like running try dancing. Find a workout you like to stick with.
4) Timing – The length of your workouts is crucial to getting the most benefits from aerobic exercise. Five-minute walks around the block are a great idea, but if you push yourself for fifteen, you’ll not only use more energy, but you’ll also prepare for longer distances in the future.
5) Proper Diet: Running a mile and then eating three slices of pizza and a banana split afterwards is probably not the best idea. Be sure to have a snack before heading out for your workout. Be sure to eat something with protein, like a stick of cheese, along with something that contains vitamins and natural sugars, like baby carrots or a tangerine.
By doing this, you’ll be providing your body with quick energy from natural sugars and vitamins, along with protein to sustain your physical activity. Make sure you don’t eat so much that you get cramps, keep it light and easy.
During your exercise, be sure to drink plenty of water. By drinking plenty of water, you can get rid of the lactic acid created in your muscles. Water helps dilute and decrease the acid built up in the muscle during training, therefore reducing the amount of soreness in the muscles after exercise.
After your workout, be sure to eat another snack that also contains protein. This helps your body in the exercise recovery process. Contrary to popular belief, once you’re done exercising, your body keeps working. It takes energy to cool down and you have to keep fueling your body’s need for energy.