Spring is almost in full bloom, and in the West, it’s time to dust off the old running shoes and get some fresh air. Shedding the winter weight is on top of many people’s to-do lists. But with tank top and swimsuit season just weeks away, many are resorting to crash diets. About.com guide Paige Waehner says that easing into a healthy lifestyle is more practical, not to mention more efficient—it will keep you in top form long after summer’s over.
By taking it slow, according to Waehner, one loses fat instead of muscle, which is the way sustainable weight loss should work. Diving straight into intense exercise can slim you down, but not necessarily in the right places.
Waehner says the first step is getting a checkup, especially if you’ve been ill or had an injury over the winter. You’ll want to know if your body is up for a new fitness regimen, and what approach will work best for your condition.
Next, she says, you must commit to 20 minutes to one hour of exercise for four to five days a week. Try to get access to basic equipment such as resistance bands, free weights, or treadmills and elliptical machines. You’ll also need to commit to a healthy diet on most days, if not all.
Cardio is vital to any weight loss program, according to Waehner. Besides burning calories, it conditions your heart and lungs for a range of fitness activities, whether it’s yoga, kick-boxing, or weight lifting. …








