Weight Loss Tip #7: Make Your Workouts Count

I've often seen people use the fitness room at the YMCA to walk slowly on the treadmill, which I always kind of thought was a little pointless since they could just walk outside without paying for the gym. Granted, I think about this the most when people (including me) are waiting to use the booked machines!

The point? Although it's important to start off slowly and work at your level, it's also necessary to exert enough energy (depending on age and health, of course) to work up a good sweat and get out of breath. I've read in the past that if you can sing, you're not working out hard enough. Otherwise, what really is the point of going to the gym? A recent Time magazine article seems to confirm this. It's called the Myth of Moderate Exercise and is worth reading.

Here are a few tips to get a more intense workout

Play competitive sports- the more you can get into an activity, the more likely you'll play with intensity

Get distracted- watch TV, listen to music, etc. Do anything that takes your mind off an activity. You'll be surprised how much more intensity and length of workout you can get when you're not thinking about it.

Find an exercise you enjoy- Find something you personally enjoy and do it. Something you are good at and enjoy will get you more excited and make you more likely to exercise with intensity.

Mentally prepare- Remind yourself why you are at the gym and that the temporary difficulty is worth it in the end.

Remember, that this tip is not about overdoing it. It's about doing enough to get a good workout. You never want to overdo any activity to the point of health danger or injury.