Sep 16

Written by: Jennifer Hill
9/16/2008 3:42 PM

One year ago, I weighed almost 180 lbs. This is an all time high weight for me! I normally weigh between 110-120 lbs. And, now that I am over 30, it has taken more for me to lose the weight than normal.

In the past 12 months, I have lost 40 lbs; 20 of these have been in the last 3 months. Now, please keep in mind that I am normally very tiny, and have always had a high metabolism, so everyone may not have these same results.

 Now that my little disclaimer is out of the way!

Pilates

Pilates is a great body firmer! Pilates, in my opinion, is very similar to Yoga. I use a Pilates DVD that I picked up at Circuit City for $10. It's called Pilates 10 Minute Solutions. This Pilates DVD is comprised of 5 different 10 minute Pilates power workouts:

Pilates for Abs Pilates for Buns & Thighs Pilates Toning Pilates Burn Pilates for Flexibility The Pilates Toning segment is for your arms, shoulders, and back. The Pilates Burn helps you burn calories, to help you lose weight.

 

The Pilates workout works well, and quickly. I had a difference in the first 3 consecutive days that I did the workouts. I definitely recommend Pilates!

Weight Loss

Weight Loss is dependent on a few different factors, one of which is to increase your metabolism. Creating muscle, drinking lots of water, eating 4-5 small meals/snacks a day, and regular cardio excercise are all imperative to raise your metabolism.

Weight Loss is also dependent on consistent activity. Cardio activity, to be exact.

I do walking to help with weight loss. I have an eliptical machine, which helps me walk even in rainy or cold weather, or if I can't get time to myself. There are also in-home weight loss walking workouts to do. If you have cable, you can get these weight loss workouts on Excercise-TV On Demand.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Walk

 There are several ways to pump up your walk. This is where those weight loss walking videos help.

Knee Lifts give a great boost to your weight loss walk. These help develop muscle, as well as throw in variety on your weight loss walk workout. Do around 30 at intervals throughout your walk.

Short bursts of speed kick up the fat burning too. Walk at a regular pace for about 2 minutes, then pump it up for 1 minute, and go back to a regular pace. Do this several times in your walk.

As a regular pace, be sure that its a rather speedy, but not fast pace. You want to do almost a power walk; then the bursts of speed will be almost a light jog (but not quite!) Make sure you're challenging yourself. You want your walk to be working your body, to ensure that you are burning up lots of calories!

 

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