Weight gain is normally a result of taking in more calories than are burned, so losing weight often takes a bit of effort to make tweaks to diet and exercise habits. Many people are aware of the risks to physical and mental health that excess weight can cause - such as depression, high blood pressure, and higher risk of diabetes - but are still reluctant to put in what is required to lose weight due to work pressure or lack of motivation. Keep reading to overcome these obstacles.
Fun Ways to Lose Weight
Following a healthy diet and having a regular exercise regime will help people reach their weight loss goals, but even the most driven of individuals can lose motivation quickly after the original novelty wears off, and this is when excuses are easily made. However, by doing something you enjoy - and not seeing exercise as a chore - will mean an exercise regime is sustainable, and distractions are no longer the obstacle they once were. Fun ways to exercise are abundant, and will have the same effect on weight as slogging to the gym every day. Here are a few options:
Dancing
Dancing is a fun way to lose weight that can be used as a social activity with friends or with a partner. There are many different styles to choose from, and the sense of achievement that arises from learning a new skill will give an extra boost of energy and motivation. Look out for local classes and choose a dance style to suit you.
Hula hoops
Hula hooping is a physically intensive activity and can be difficult, but you will work up a sweat, and it can be great fun to try with a friend. However, if this proves too embarrassing, you can also practice in the privacy of your home. Beginners will find weighted hoops easier, but once you have improved, a lighter hoop will help burn more calories. It is a fun way to lose weight if you do it to some music, and it's suitable for all age groups.
Inline Skating
This might involve an initial investment in the inline skates, but this can be worth it to reach your weight loss goal. It is perhaps more commonly associated with children and teenagers, but there is no reason why adults can't give it a go, too. It has far less impact on your joints than running, so it might be good for people with problems in those areas.
There are, of course, many other fun ways to lose weight. In fact, any activity that does not involve sitting or standing can help towards your weight loss goal. The general message is, instead of forcing yourself to get into a routine that you hate and thus will not be sustainable, see the fun activities as of equal worth. Have fun, and you are more likely to lose weight.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/physical_activity/
- Cleveland Clinic. (2014).Weight Management Tips. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/nutrition/weight-management/weight-management-tips.aspx
- Harvard Health Publications. (2014). Abdominal fat and what to do about it. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Abdominal-fat-and-what-to-do-about-it.htm
- National Institutes of Health. (2014). Weight Control. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/weightcontrol.html
- MY Langone Weight Management Program. (2014). Psychological Effects of Obesity. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://thinforlife.med.nyu.edu/surgical-weight-loss/obesity/psychological-effects-obesity
- National Health Service UK. (2012). 12 tips to help you lose weight on the plan. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/weight-loss-guide/Pages/successful-diet-tips.aspx
- National Health Service UK. (2014). Dance for fitness. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/getting-started-guides/Pages/getting-started-dancing.aspx
- New Hampshire Bureau of Developmental Services. (n.d.). HEALTH STATUS INDICATORS GUIDELINES. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/bds/nurses/documents/healthguidelines.pdf
- Weight-control Information Network. (2012). Do You Know Some of the Health Risks of Being Overweight? Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/health_risks.htm#d