Not All Exercises Are Created Equal

Engaging in any kind of physical activity is healthier than sitting on the couch downing chips. Activities like bowling, basketball, and golf are great for burning calories. But to see dramatic weight loss, you must do cardiovascular exercise. "Cardiovascular" is defined as any activity that is rhythmic, continuous, and requires large muscles, like those in the legs, back, and chest. While bowling, basketball, and golf get you moving, they're all characterized by start-and-stop movement. There's no reason to give up such sports, just be aware that you must also put in time at the track or on the treadmill.

Mix in Interval Cardio

Want more bang for your exercise buck? Interval cardio training is an awesome addition to any strength-training routine because it burns a ton of calories, works the cardiovascular system, and builds muscle. It's all about doing short bursts of cardio with and intense amount of effort. You should do intervals in between your weight-training exercises if you want to really maximize your workout. Mixing interval cardio moves, such as Mountain Climbers or Squat Thrusts, with weight training keeps your heart rate at a higher level throughout a workout. Why is maintaining an elevated heart rate important? Because it means you'll burn more calories. If you're just starting out, add a 15-second interval cardio move after every three weight exercises. As your FITNESS level increases, you can make your interval cardio sessions longer or add more of them to your workout.

Remember, "Interval" is the key word here. These exercises are meant to be done in 30-second to 5-minute bursts, not half-hour sessions. The exercises are demanding, so warm up before doing them.