Weight Loss Workout For Men Over 40

The older we get, the more difficult it seems to lose the extra weight that is put on over the years. Being over the age of 40 can make weight loss seem like a daunting task but it doesn't have to be at all. The methods for shedding pounds is effective for men of any age. Yes, diet and exercise are the main components but how you perform them is what makes the difference.

Below I will explain how to workout in a more efficient manner that burns more fat in less time. One thing that I like to point out is that there is no such thing as spot reduction. People often fall for the marketing that is often on television for ab machines. The commercials make it seem as though just working out your ab muscles will help to burn stomach fat.

In order to burn fat, you must build muscle. Resistance training is the best workout for this. There are several ways you can build muscle. My favorite is by using my own body weight. Several good exercises include:

• Calisthenics
• Plyometrics
• Weight lifting
• Interval training

Calisthenics are body weight routines that can include push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, lunges, squats, jumping jacks, and more. Plyometrics are often used by athletes. These exercises are designed for fast and powerful movements usually to improve a specific training goal such as developing speed. Weight lifting is simply the practice of lifting weights (free-weights or machines.) Interval training is a way to perform several exercises back to back for a set and resting for a minute or so in between sets.

All of these workouts burn fat well and when you combine interval training, you can get a full-body workout done in about 45 minutes. Using free-weights is also a better option than relying on weight machines. The machines limit the movements of body parts whereas free-weight movements mimic what you do on a daily basis.

If you do enjoy cardio workouts such as running, you can still perform them on the days you are not building muscle. Keep in mind that too much cardio runs the risk of muscle loss. Spending an hour or longer doing cardio isn't necessary. Most important is to keep your workouts fun. Find new body weight routines that you can add to your workouts to keep them fresh.

The equipment needed is minimal. I recommend dumbbells (light and heavy), adjustable bench, jump rope, elastic bands, and medicine ball.

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