I know this may be a difficult question for some but if you could really put your hand on one thing what would it be. I was down to 220 stopped working out and gained weight back but during that time a combination of walking/jogging was when I really started seeing results and boy was the lbs shedding. So what was it for you this should be interesting
i'm doing the C25K. i'm on W3D2. And on days I dont run I either do the Jillian Michaels Banish Fat Boost Metabolism, or one of the Biggest Loser DVDs.
I have recently started to go for a 2 mile brisk walk before lunch time (200 calories burned!!) and it seems to really work. It increases my metabolism and moves my lunch time to an hour later. Eating a little late keeps me full for little later .
Dividing my workout schedule into 2 or 3 30 mins session instead of one 60-90 min session seems to be working well for me.
Ive found that doing the harder Tae Bo videos helps me since I cannot afford to go to the gym and running with a 2 year old just doesn't fit my schedule.
I like that its LONG makes me sweat and is a combination of muscle building and cardio. UPbeat
In terms of the most weight loss, you want something that gets your heartrate up high. For extra calorie burning, you need to get your HR up. So anything hard enough that you're working out near 65-85% of your max heart rate will burn calories the fastest. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), where you do an interval at lower intensity and an interval at higher intensity also helps burn a high number of calories per time.
In terms of difference in my body, though, I'm going to have to go with weight training. It has made a gigantic difference in terms of my body composition, which in turn makes a difference in how slim, trim, and athletic I look. I have a bigger body frame and will never be tiny, so getting STRONG and strong looking has made a big difference in how I look and feel.
I think running has had the most impact on my weight loss - not necessarily because it's the best workout, but because it's the one thing I keep coming back to because I enjoy it enough to keep doing it!
But the thing that has had the biggest overall benefit is core work! Having a strong core makes it easier to do all other exercises effectively and with less risk of injury. Running is SO much more pleasant when my abs/back are in good shape. I don't credit any particular workout - I've gotten my core workouts from kickboxing classes, pilates classes, stability ball workouts, DVDs (FIRM, tae bo, Jillian Michaels)... I just make sure I'm regularly doing *something*.
For me, its just doing regular exercise. I'm doing WW and they don't really stress what type of exercise you should do (they give you the cardio/weight training spiel) but the most important thing is that you're moving.
That being said - I do a lot of cardio - 45 - 60 minutes per day. When I'm feeling especially good, I do weight training on my upper body/arms, but really not on my lower body. As far as core work goes, I spin 3-4 times a week and keeping my core clenched the whole time is enough for me.
I would have to say running- not sure if this is just the "wonder exercise" for me or if its just because thats what ive done the most For losing inches though i would say that i have lost the most inches in the shortest amount of time doing weights with my PT
Matilda...just do your best job running..when I first began I could only go 1/10 of a mile! I would run as fast as I could and then walk until I could run again. I found out later this was actually running HIIT. (You can Google the term.) It turns out that it's the best and most efficient way to burn fat--yes, even better than a consistent jog would be. The main thing is that you are commiting to AND consistently performing your chosen exercise. Sustaining the movement for longer periods will definitely come with time. Good for you!