Best workouts for weight loss?

The workouts you that will help you the most are the ones that you enjoy to do and will do them often. I have seen this phrase many times on this message board and this is true to a point but working out at first is niether fun nor something that we want to do.

My suggestion to you is cardio, cardio, cardio, walking, elliptical, stair climbers, swimming etc. When your cardiovascular system becomes fit everything else becomes easier. The intensity at first should not be too much it should increment weekly.

You could try couch to 5k as a good reference.

Also the maximum weight loss per week without medical supervision should be 2 pounds. So 8 pounds in 5 weeks that is awesome work.

Workouts burn calories in different ways for different ppl. 8lb in 5 weeks is great. I think you should stick wth what your doing!

I have been at this for about 5 weeks. I go to the gym 5 days a week and usually do 20 minutes of fat burn on the elliptical, then some weights or circut exercises with the weighted balls or weights, I do Zumba one night a week and play softball 2 nights a week. I have lost around 8 pounds. I feel like I am losing so SLOW. I can see some small differences, but I just want to make sure I am doing things right to get the maximum benefit, and to look my best when I finally get to my goal (toned). I am currently 5'1 and 197. Any suggestions on some exercises that are more successful for weight loss? 30 day shred good for burning serious calories? P90x? Insanity? I just want to keep things changed up and don't want my body to become complacent and come to a stand still. Help please!

First, congrats on your 8 pound loss!!! I am sitting at an 8 pound loss as well, but it took me about 8 weeks! So you are doing good. The BEST way to lose the weight and keep it off is to do it slowly. I go to the Gym 6 days a week for an hour of cardio and do light strength training 2 times a week. You don't want to lift too much because you may build muscle over the fat. Also, I got really discouraged when the scale stopped moving. Really keep an eye on those inches. I was down about losing nothing 2 weeks in a row. Did my measurements and had lost 4 inches in the waist, 2 1/2 inches in my thighs & 1 inch in my hips! Keep it up. Sounds like the exercise plan you have is great and working. I would keep it and maybe check out your eating habits.

I have a blog from a Nutrition Seminar I went to recently during this Biggest Weight Loss Challenge I am participating in right now hosted by a Registered Dietician. You may find some of it helpful! I learned a lot.

Also, 30 Day Shred for someone weighing 135 pounds on Level 1 will only burn around 180+ cals. I don't know about everyone but there are Zumba Cal Burn Calculators out there. Try livestrong.com. Zumba is GREAT for cal burn!

Keep it up!

Definitely try running - see if you like it and if you do, it's a good burn, plus you can just put your shoes on and head out. If I warm up for 5 minutes, run 5K and cool down for 5 minutes, that's around 300 calories gone (disclaimer: depends on weight etc). i should mix it up and do all sorts of different things...but I just like running.

Oh no not the cardio vs weights AGAIN. The best workout for anything is the one you enjoy the most hate to sound corny but it is true. Myself running has seemed to work the best for me I look forward to my run every single day its one hour or so its just myself and the pavement and or few trails. Of course theres the pedestrian and ducks and cyclists here and there but you get my meaning. And just stay as active as you can and eat right. You will loose it quicker than you gained it you say 8lbs in 5 weeks thats good it is quicker than you gained im sure. I know I need to and want the results from weights I just have not got to that point yet.

Good Luck

I'm probably splitting hairs, but feel like I have to considering the question.

Technically speaking, this is rarely the case (that the thing people love to do is also the best for burning cals). Why? Because for most people, the things they love to do they are better at, thus it takes less work to do them, thus they burn fewer cals. Try doing something you're not conditioned to do... it's usually going to be A LOT harder, and you're usually going to burn A LOT more cals.

While I get the point you are making (that if you love to do it you'll be more likely to do it, especially in the long run), things people love to do rarely burn more cals than things they aren't as good at.

I love Zumba and I burn plenty of calories doing it - love it, work at it harder cause I enjoy it = burn plenty of calories

I think eight pounds in five weeks is great - don't be discouraged.

The best workout is one you enjoy. Seriously. One that will get you to the gym in the rain, or when you have a headache, or when you're a little tired. You get my point.

Cardio will help burn calories. Weights will help the final product look sleeker and tighter.

Keep up the good work.

ETA: I was posting at the same time as belgerian - we said basically the same thing

Weights also help you to burn more calories longer...after the workout...I personally think they are a pain in the -you-know-what- but I know that they are good for me. I have been losing weight, at a pretty good pace, my thing is that I always try to switch it up....

one week I did the elliptical for 30mins each day (5 days) then week two I did the bike for 30mins.....then bike for 25m elliptical for 10. or 15m/15m...elliptical for 30m then weights for 30 (is actually not that long....because you get breaks inbetween reps unlike running or biking...you gonna go strait through...lol)

You sound like you are off to a GREAT start!! Do not get discouraged if it takes time!! by the way----the picture thing totally works!!! lol I took pictures of myself....and again probably about 2 months later or so....holy crap!! I felt like I looked the same, but I could already see the difference!!! and now I am waiting til I finish my "12 week challenge" to take more pictures! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

I've heard squats with a decent amt. of weight not only burn calories while you're doing the exercise, but also burn the most after you STOP doing it... the gift that keeps on giving or taking if you will.