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37. Walk—Try to get in at least 10,000 steps each and every day. If you have a sedentary job, this may be difficult for you. Schedule a time and place to do brisk walking every day. If you can’t, then choose a few other walking activities like parking at the far end of the parking lot at work or when you go to grocery or department stores. Take the steps instead of the elevator.
38. Aerobic exercise or aerobic dancing—Aerobics are a great way to get a good cardio workout. You can do this in a group, such as a class, or get an exercise video and do them in the privacy of your own home. Whichever way you choose, getting up your cardio rate will help your body burn fat. The exercise or dancing part of the aerobic exercise will help reduce fat and build muscle.
39. Ride a bike—Biking, when done at a cardio pace, is a great way to get a good workout and burn calories. Many people who don’t have the time in their busy days to do a workout get their exercise from biking to and from work each day. You can jump start your metabolism each morning with a good ride, and then reduce stress of a hectic day on the ride home.
40. Jog—Jogging isn’t for everyone, but many people stay fit and trim from jogging. You can do this outdoors, on an indoor track, or on a treadmill. If you’re over 50, you want to check with your physician to be sure you’re physically fit for jogging. Many times the jar from jogging on the knees, hips, and/or back can be harmful to those with problems. Once you’ve got a clean bill of health, “Run Forest, Run!”
41. Take a martial arts class—Martial arts classes are good for cardio workouts, muscle definition, and self defense. They can also be a lot of fun. If you’re hesitant to join a class alone, talk a friend into joining with you.
42. Weight training or Pilates—Either of these, in conjunction with a good cardio workout, can help you build muscle. Muscle will burn calories. You can find free weight training workouts for beginners to advanced, and Pilates classes are available for all levels as well. Cardio three to five times a week with a good weight training program will help you burn overall body fat, and that includes that dreaded belly fat.
43. Breath control exercises—Another for of supplemental exercise is breath control exercises that are good for the abdominal region. Yoga is a prime example. Though it is optional, and not essential for reducing belly fat, it is a simple way to strengthen the abdominal area and remove inches from your waistline.
44. Keep good posture—Although you might not realize it, you use many core muscles simply to hold yourself up straight in good posture. Keeping good posture while tightening your stomach muscles can strengthen both the back muscles and the abdominal muscles.
45. Simple leg lifts—To tighten the abdominal muscles, lay flat on your back. Raise your feet about two inches off the ground and hold it to a slow count of ten. Lower your feet and then do it again. Try to do this at least 10 times a day. It is a simple basic way to begin to strengthen weakened abdominal muscles.
46. Try exercising in small bursts—Research shows that alternating bursts of energy, just small ones, with brief resting periods can not only improve your muscle tone and burn calories, but it can also build endurance. This is a good way to get started and build up to the more serious exercises. You might try sprinting. Just run as fast as you can for around 20 seconds. Walk until your breathing returns to normal, and do it again. If you do this for about 10 minutes a day, you’ll be on your way to a good start.
Set your exercise equipment for interval training—In this mode, it increases the difficulty for short periods and then returns to normal. It gives you the effect of exercising in small bursts by using machines.
47. Snack first—If you’re going out for a business dinner or to a party of some kind, eat a healthy, high-protein snack before you go. This will make you less hungry, and will allow you to eat smaller portions of the more fattening foods.
48. Fit some type of exercise into your normal work day—This can be difficult for some people. It all depends on the type of job you have. You might set aside your lunch hours for walking. If that’s not possible, plan five minutes out of each day for a power walk. Take long, brisk strides when you walk down the hall or go up and down stairs.