How to Lose 10 Pounds by Working Out

Sometimes losing that last 10 pounds can be the most difficult part of a weight loss program. Many people try to lose weight by simply altering their eating habits and eating healthier food in smaller portions. This can certainly help you lose weight, but if you find that you're having a hard time losing 10 pounds, then you need to add exercise into the equation. When coupled with a healthy diet, the right workout can ensure that you lose those stubborn extra pounds.

Instructions

• 1

  Weigh yourself, then write down your weight and the time of day. Weight can fluctuate throughout the day. To see if you have really lost 10 pounds, you should complete your weigh-ins at the same time of day each day. Weigh yourself every 48 hours to track your progress more accurately.

• 2

  Lift weights three times a week. You need to allow a day in between workouts for recovery or you can actually minimize your gains. Lift weights that target more than one muscle group so that you can build muscle on your entire body. When you build muscle, you not only burn calories while lifting, but you also help your body burn more calories while at rest. This maximizes your weight loss potential. If you're having trouble losing that last 10 pounds, it could be because you haven't been incorporating enough resistance training into your workout routine.

• 3

  Exercise with a variety of cardiovascular activities six times a week. Remember, you have to burn 3,500 calories to lose one pound of weight. It should take three to four days to lose a pound. So, make sure that you are burning 500-600 calories per day more than you are taking in. This will get you to your goal. Do cardio every day of the week with one day off. You can vary your intensity and the activities that you do in order to maximize your benefits. Swimming, biking, aerobics, yoga, running, dancing or martial arts are all good cardiovascular options.

• 4

  Ensure that you are eating a healthy balanced diet with a caloric intake that is right for your age and size. If you are going to start exercising, you don't need to cut too many calories; you just need to make sure that your calories are coming from the right sources. Lean proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates such as most vegetables are where the lion's share of your calories should be coming from.

• 5

  Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated ensures that you stay healthy and that your body can actually utilize the gains you are making through working out.