A lot of people wonder what is the best form of exercise for losing weight.  Currently, Zumba is a popular form of group cardio (aerobic) exercise that is creating a stir across the country. It incorporates elements of high energy dance, music, and the freedom to move any way one feels comfortable moving.  The key is to keep motion happening throughout the songs.  This form of exercise, also called aerobic or cardio, is in the same group as running, jogging, playing tennis, jumping rope, and several other rigorous activities — yet it is easier for many people to do.

But did you know that walking is also an aerobic exercise?  That’s right;  taking a simple 20 minute walk each day (you’ll want to keep it brisk) can yield positive benefits for your heart’s health, and help reduce your waistline as well.

Of all the kinds of exercise people can do, aerobic exercise burns the most calories.  Since weight loss is about creating and maintaining a caloric deficit from the amount needed for basic metabolic functioning, aerobics are a good bet for weight loss.

But what about strength training?  Doesn’t muscle mass rev up the metabolism, allowing you to consume more calories and still lose weight?

“Strength training itself will not lead to an appreciable amount of weight loss because it just doesn’t burn enough calories,” says Glenn Gaesser, PhD, FACSM, kinesiology professor and department head at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

He further explains that building lean muscle mass does not really amount to burning more calories while at rest.  That is unfortunately a myth.

There are plenty of ways to lose weight gradually, without going on a crash or fad diet, or overdoing the workouts.

“Not overdoing it is probably the best advice I can give anyone,” said Mara Peters, nutritionist. “More people just give up on exercise due to injuries sustained from going at it too fast and hard.  Think about it:  if you’re going from a very sedentary lifestyle to one of even moderate activity, you don’t want to do that suddenly, because your body is not used to that.  You could seriously hurt yourself.”

Another mistake people make, she says, is not checking with their doctor prior to starting any weight loss plan or new exercise.

A great place to start is by accessing the exercise channels on Direct TV Choice. Wake up every morning, and do a few exercises. It’s a great way to ease into a more active lifestyle.