by Michelle Wilkinson

Created on: July 30, 2010

If you want to stay slim you really have to make exercise part of your normal routine, as it is the most effective way to increase your metabolism and burn more calories. This is particularly helpful on those occasions when you feel like overindulging, as you can go for a jog or ride your bike and you will be able to counter those excess calories and avoid weight gain. Indeed, the fact that so many people are struggling to control their weight is in no small part due to inactivity, since everyone continues to eat the same calorific diet when they don’t do enough exercise to really need that number of calories.

Thus, whether you’re looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight it is a good idea to take up some form of exercise. It doesn’t matter what activity you choose, as long as it is something that you can fit into your routine on a regular basis. Adults should be doing at least half an hour of moderate intensity physical activity, five days a week and so it is no use deciding that you want to take up surfing if you live hundreds of miles from the sea and can only surf now and again. Of course, you could always combine surfing with other activities, so that you save surfing for every other weekend, but make walking or running your everyday exercise of choice.

You don’t have to take up something that requires specialist training or for you to become a member and you don’t need to spend a fortune to get fit. You may have been led to believe that the only way you can get fitter and burn off some calories is by following some very complicated exercise routines. You stock up on fitness DVDs where pretty, slim women jump around and perform certain movements which you are supposed to follow. It can be pretty boring and you don’t even know if you’re doing it right, so after awhile you don’t bother. It’s usually the same when you buy expensive exercise equipment or join a gym – you don’t know what you’re doing or you get bored and so give up.

Thus, you should really think about walking more or taking up jogging or cycling, as all of these activities are great calorie burners and something you should be able to do without too much difficulty. This is important because obviously the longer you spend doing an activity the more calories you burn and you should find the fitter you get the faster and further you will be able to go, which will also help when it comes to calorie burning. Hence, even if you don’t particularly enjoy exercise, at least you can treat yourself to a bar of chocolate afterwards!

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