4 Best Workout Types to Get in Shape

Getting in shape is so much more than losing weight. It involves using your body and pushing yourself to the limit. The type of workout you choose will reflect the type of fitness results you'll see down the road.  There are many ways to get in shape. These 4 workout styles are also a great way to figure out which workout you will enjoy the most. After all, it's better when you are actually looking forward to working out.

Strength / Resistance Training​

Strength training is one type of workout that many women choose to avoid because they believe it will lead them to have "bulky" muscles. This is simply not true. Strength and resistance training is your best option if you are looking to not just get in shape but develop sexy, firm and toned muscles. After all, fit is the new "skinny".

Strength training improves circulation and has the amazing effect of helping  you burn more calories after your workout is over. When you strength train you are building lean muscles and muscle takes more energy to maintain then fat. This means that simply having lean muscle will help you too burn more calories 24/7.

Strength training is great at keeping fat off. Its ​going to target common problem areas like the belly, butt and thighs. Another great thing about this workout is that you don't need the gym or any equipment. You just need your bodyweight. There are bodyweight resistance training workout programs that will help you shed fat and tone up quickly.

Yoga

Yoga is often a workout that is overlooked. Many think that yoga is just stretching and breathing workouts. Yoga can be what ever you make it. If you are looking for a relaxing workout yoga is the answer. Yoga can also be a intense workout. There are different styles of yoga and some are better for weight loss than others. Some yoga sessions can burn as much as 600 calories a hour! ​

Related: Best Yoga Programs for Beginners​

Yoga not only will help you get in shape but it will also work your core, as well as improve balance and flexibility. ​Yoga is really fun to do and there are many yoga styles that you can do to keep the excitement going.

Yoga can also be very affordable. While yoga classes at the studio can be pricy, there are at-home yoga programs for as low as $10 a month for unlimited classes. These programs offer you the convince and privacy of practicing in your own home and going at your own pace. It's like having a private session with the worlds top yoga teachers.  ​If you choose to go to a yoga class be sure you are prepared with the right yoga equipment and know what to expect.

Hight Intensity Interval Training

HIIT workouts are taking your calorie burning to the max. You will sweat and be pushed to your limit every workout. This workout involves giving it every thing you've got! You will burn more fat, it has been scientifically proven that you will lose more weight if you interval train than if you just worked out at a steady pace.

Interval ​training is also beneficial for good heart health and lead to a better resting metabolic rate. With interval training you will be losing fat and not muscle. So what is high intensity interval training? This is a workout where you alternate between period of intense exercise (pushing yourself to the limit) that last anywhere from 30 to 120 seconds with periods of rest or low intensity exercise.

An example of this is sprinting for 60 seconds and lightly jogging for 120 seconds. You repeat this multiple time. Any cardio workout can be turned into a interval training workout.

Related: Best Way to Burn Belly Flat and Get a Flat Stomach ​

Cardio

Cardio is one of the most common types of workout. This includes running, cycling, walking, the elliptical, stair-master, etc. ​Cardio is great for cardiovascular health. Cardio is a great way to burn calories and is one of the best exercises for weight loss.

Benefits of cardio workouts include reduced belly fat, prevents stress, promotes focus and mental health, reduces anxiety, and can even help with symptoms of depression. When you workout with cardio exercise your goal is to be in ​a heart rate zone between 50 and 85% of your hypothetical maximum heart rate.

For the most effective weight loss and toning you will get the best results if your fitness routine includes cardio mixed with strength training. ​

Related: How to Lose Weight and Burn More Calories on the Treadmill​

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