Fat Burning Tips for Beginners.First of all, I think that the concept of fat loss is much more important than weight loss. What I mean is, you want the weight lost to be comprised mostly of fat and not muscle. Muscle gives you the kind of shape you desire and it is active tissue. Active means that it burns fat even when resting which gives your metabolism a boost.
Secondly, congratulations on making the decision to do something about your excess fat. Your chances for long term success and avoiding the lose-gain-lose yo-yo will be much better if don't just 'go on a diet'.
Most people think of dieting and deprivation when they think of losing weight and they forget about the bad eating habits and lack of exercise that got them overweight in the first place. The best way to look at your fat loss program is to think of it as a change in lifestyle for the better. It really does have to be a lifestyle change to ensure you don't waste all of the effort put into shedding the pounds only to have them all come back again (and usually more) when your program is finished.
Here are a few fat burning tips to help you in your quest.
1. Just get started. Many people who are contemplating a fat loss program are actually afraid to start for fear of making a mistake. Yes, there are a hundred experts out there, each telling you something slightly different, but pick one that comes recommended by someone you trust or better yet, hire a personal trainer to get you started. Trust me when I say you won't accomplish anything if you don't get off your butt and get started.
2. Set clear goals. Your overall objective may be to look better, to be stronger and to be healthier but those aren't clear or definite enough to be your goals. You must set and focus on a definite, clear goal. Decide on what your new measurements will be (waist size, hip size, dress size or pant size, for example).
Then, when you have begun your fitness plan and become aware of your strengths and limitations, set short term goals for improvement. For example, if you are able to do 2 pushups in the beginning, set your goal for 10 pushups within a few weeks, then 3 sets of 10 pushups, etc. Use this goal setting technique for all of the various exercises you will be doing within your initial program. You reach your goals through small improvements over time.
3. Go Slow. I don't mean snail-pace slow, but pace yourself so that you don't cause injury. For example, if you haven't done much in the way of exercise for a long time, walking is a great way to begin a cardio program. Don't jump on the treadmill and run for 5 miles on your first day. First of all you won't likely make it the 5 miles and secondly, you will probably be in a great deal of pain the next few days as your body tries to recover. The saying 'No pain, no gain' is somewhat true but in moderation. Pain caused from over-exertion has killed many a fitness plan.
4. Stick to the following fundamentals of fat loss including: (1) Do your cardio, (2) Lift weights, (3) Burn more calories than you consume (4) Eat 5-6 small, frequent meals and never skip meals, (5) Keep your fat intake low, but include small amounts of good fats, (6) Eat natural foods; avoid processed & refined foods, (7) eat more natural complex carbs, fruits & vegetables, (8) eat lean proteins with each meal, (9) Think positive by visualizing yourself as you would like to be.
Make use of these fat burning tips and you are headed for success.
Read here for more fat burning tips
Return to Personal Trainer Blog
Inspirations Personal Training Home Page:
Let Cindy be Your Personal Trainer
