The Best Gym Routine to Lose Weight

There are many myths surrounding the topic of weight loss. Many people think there is one magical exercise, treatment or supplement that will shed those dreadful pounds. The bottom line is it takes proper rest, nutrition and exercise if you want to lose weight. While exercising, perform a combination of cardiovascular exercise and strength training. Both play an important role in weight loss.

The Basics

In order to lose weight, you must provide your body with proper rest and nutrition. You must master the basics before you can lose weight and keep it off for good. Get at least seven hours of sleep per night. Try to go to sleep and wake up at set times every day. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and fat-free or low-fat diary. Avoid as much processed food as possible. Do not skips meals. Eating at regular intervals sends a signal to the body that it does not have to store calories, thereby allowing it to increase its metabolic rate.

Cardio

Cardiovascular exercise is essential for weight loss. It's effective at burning calories and body fat. Start your workout on an elliptical. Step onto the machine facing the monitor and press quick start. Grab the handlebars and begin pedaling forward. Pedal for five minutes on at a light resistance for a warm-up. Increase your level to a higher resistance and continue pedaling for 20 minutes for your workout. Once you're done, lower the level again and pedal for another five minutes as a cool-down.

Squat

Regular strength training will increase your lean muscle mass. The more lean muscle mass you have, the faster your metabolism will operate and the more calories your body will burn. Squatting is a great strength-training exercise that targets your lower back, glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves. Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell behind your neck. Inhale through your nose, keep your chest up, squeeze your core and slowly lower your hips until your knees are bent at 90-degree angles. Your knees should not protrude over your toes. Exhale and raise your hips back to the starting position. Perform four sets of eight repetitions. If you cannot perform each rep with perfect form, use a lighter weight. Rest one minute between each set.

Bench Press

Bench pressing is another great strength training exercise. It targets your pecs, shoulders and triceps. First lie on a bench with your back flat against the bench and your feet flat against the ground. Keep your toes pointed forward. Grab the barbell with your elbows slightly bent and your hands shoulder width apart. Lift the barbell off the rack and position it directly above your chest. Inhale through your nose and slowly lower the weight until it gently touches your chest. Exhale through your mouth and raise the weight back to the starting position. Perform four sets of eight repetitions. If you can not perform each rep with perfect form, use lighter weight. Rest one minute between each set.

Wide-Grip Pullup

Wide-grip pullups target your latissimus dorsi, middle back and biceps. Grab a pullup bar with your palms facing out and your hands shoulder-width apart. Exhale through your mouth, and pull your torso up until your chest touches the bar. Keep your body directly underneath the bar throughout the exercise. Inhale through your nose, and slowly lower your torso back to the starting position until your lats are fully stretched. Perform four sets of eight repetitions. If you can't perform each rep with perfect form, enlist help from a partner or use an assisted pullup machine. Rest one minute between each set.

Bicycles

Bicycles are a great strength-training exercise for your core, which acts as the foundation for your body. Lie on a mat with your back flat against it. Without pulling too hard, place your hands behind your head. Raise one knee and bring one elbow down until they meet halfway and touch in the middle of your chest. Continue to alternate your legs and elbows in a bicycle motion for 30 seconds. Breathe slowly and naturally throughout this exercise. Perform four sets, resting one minute between each.