5 Ways To Burn More Calories When Exercising

5 Ways To Burn More Calories When Exercising

Can’t seem to shed those extra unwanted pounds no matter how much time you spend in the gym? Some people naturally blame their ‘body type’ or 'bad genes’ for their inability to lose weight, but nine out of ten times it’s the result of a poor exercise routine. If your goal is to lose weight, you must focus on heavy calorie-burning workouts that really push your body to its limits.

#1) Sweat It Out

The human body naturally burns more calories when it begins to sweat; therefore, you should use this to your advantage by promoting sweating during your workout sessions. Wearing thick cotton sweatpants and a long-sleeved shirt, for instance, will lock your body’s thermal energy inside, causing it to sweat. Just remember to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion.

#2) Skip The Pre-Workout Stretching

Numerous studies have shown that stretching before a workout does not offer any real benefit. In fact, it could have the opposite effect by increasing a person’s risk of injury. Rather than stretching for 5-10 minutes before your workout, jump right into the heat of things. This will ultimately offer the greatest benefit by burning more calories in a single session.

#3) Add Weights

Performing cardiovascular exercises alone will burn calories while promoting greater muscle growth, but you can kick your workouts up to the next level by incorporating some weights into the mix. The next time your are lacing up your sneakers for a jog around the neighborhood (or treadmill), add some small ankle or body weights for additional resistance. An additional 3-5 pounds may not seem like much, but it forces your body to work overtime to try and meet these new demands.

#4) Use Proper Form

Using proper form when working out is critical to the overall effect it has on your body. The only person you’re cheating by using improper form is yourself, and it will come back to haunt you later down the road with lackluster results. Whether you intend to work out on the treadmill or hit the free weights, make sure you practice good form. And if you are unsure about the form on a specific weight or piece of equipment, ask an employee at your gym for assistance. Most staff members will be more than happy to show you the correct form.

#5) Mix Things Up

Constantly performing the same workout routine day after day gets boring – not to mention the fact that it reduces the benefit of your exercises. Don’’t be afraid to try new exercises, as this keeps your muscles on 'on their toes’ so to speak, forcing them to stretch in new ways. If you’re going to run on the treadmill for an hour or so at the gym one day, then perhaps you can hit the weights the next day. Keeping your routine fresh and exciting will burn more calories while making the process more enjoyable.