Six Slim-Down Strategies

Using your workout time more efficiently can often make the difference between a successful weight loss program and one that goes nowhere. Check out our super effective get slim quick strategies.

Walk the walk. It may not burn calories at warp speed, but slow and steady is the way to go. For every mile you walk you'll burn about 100 calories, almost the same as if you covered the same distance at a run. True, you'd go further, faster if you picked up the pace, but you're also likely to poop out sooner and get injured more often.

Put some hustle in your muscle. Kicking up your workout intensity builds muscle, burns tons of calories and gives your metabolism a temporary boost. Try this on the treadmill: Warm up for five minutes then do six interval cycles where you alternate two minutes of high intensity running with two minutes of moderately paced jogging.

Cool down for five minutes. Use this workout pattern for walking, cycling or any other type of cardio. Overdoing high-intensity work invites injury and burnout, so limit high intensity to two workouts a week max.

Break it up. The number one reason people give for not working out: no time. Obliterate this excuse by splitting up your workout time into two or even three mini-workouts daily. Research shows you'll burn the same amount of calories whether you do your workout all at once or in bits and pieces. For instance, you can do a brisk 10-minute walk before work, climb your office stairs for 10 minutes at lunchtime and hop on the treadmill at The Club for 10 minutes after work.

Gain weight. As in a weight-training routine. You dont have to chain yourself to the chest press machine to get results. It can take as little as 8 sets per workout, twice a week. Every pound of muscle you add to your frame kicks up your metabolism another 30 or so calories per day. Thats enough to prevent a three-pound per year weight gain.Fall in love. The more fun you have with exercise, the more likely you are to stick with it. Search for a workout you love and make it your passion. Ultimately, the most effective routine is not the one that burns the most calories per hour -- it's the one you'll actually do.Get help. Consider hiring a certified personal trainer to tailor a workout program for your specific needs. A good trainer can cut the fat out of your workout so you dont waste time doing things that dont help you reach your goals.
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