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Weight-loss series: Workout basics for beginners( part 1)

For this one I have collaborated with my friend,my support system,Shumaila.She is a professional nutrition & fitness advisor.Here is what she has to say

The first and foremost thing is that it really depends on fitness level,body composition and mindset.For some the fat loss regimen is 70% diet and 30% workout while for some 60:40  works.Everybody is different and their bodies respond differently (depends on age/body weight/musculoskeletal fitness/stamina/metabolism/hormones)

EVALUATE YOUR FITNESS LEVEL
Firstly,it really depends on the body weight.If you are 70kg+  cardio is not your cup of tea because it puts extra pressure on lower body and can affect the knees.Also,when you are heavy, your stamina is not that high.Avoid doing cardio,HIIT,tabata etc

RIGHT CHOICE OF WORKOUT
The right one for you is the one you enjoy and carry on comfortably.Small changes are better than doing nothing.It is not a good idea to do a challenging workout one day and spend the rest of the week on bed as recovery.Remember,slow and steady wins the race! Even a 10min workout is good as a start.

IS GYM MEMBERSHIP A MUST?
My answer is of course NOT.Simple home-based workout helped me lose 18kg (while dealing with thyroid and bad colon).Treadmill or other machines focus on one group of muscles,on the other hand cardio/HIIT/tabata use and work most muscles of the body and help tone full body.

CAN WALKING HELP ME LOSE FAT?
Yes,of course.But not walking on a same speed for an hour or so.Correct way to utilize walk as a workout is making it like an interval training.Here is an example, 5min same speed warm up walk,then 2min walk followed by 2min jog,then again 2min walk followed by 2min jog.If you want to make it more challenging then make it 2min walk followed by 3 or even 5min jog.End it with a 5min same speed as warm up walk.

USE STAIRS!
Choose to use stairs and ditch the elevators.You can use the same interval training technique with stairs too.e.g climb stairs 2-3 times normal speed followed by 2-3 times high speed.

Tip: Always warm up at the beginning of workout and don't forget stretching post workout.Ease cramps with a warm bath with added salts in it.
Always listen to your body and take baby steps to change your mind and body.

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