Cardiovascular exercise dramatically improves the function of the heart but also helps us to burn all of those calories consumed. Studies have proven that interval training with high intensity bursts can really increase your metabolism thus making it easier to lose weight and sustain it. Resistance training increases muscle mass. A lean physique burns calories even at rest. An effective resistance training routine should be well rounded and also done three days a week. It should cover all of the major muscles of the body through a range of different motions. These would include squats, lunges, push ups, and dips to name a few. The human body is a perfect machine that is very adaptable. Our muscles have memory and get bored with the same routine day in day out. You will see far more results in a shorter period of time if you throw your body a curve ball on a regular basis. You should change your routine every four weeks.
That would include different modalities of exercise as well. Pilates, yoga, and step classes are great alternatives or could be used in conjunction with traditional weight training and cardiovascular exercises.
