Weight loss is not a small achievement—it can be a very challenging process. Ask anyone who spends countless hours at the gym in the hopes of seeing that number on the scale budge and they’ll all tell you that it’s not easy.

However, it’s not impossible. There are several small tweaks you can make that will amplify your routine and increase the likelihood that you’ll see the results you’re after. Here are some helpful tips:

• Get a True Work Out: Use your time at the gym wisely. If you spend half an hour leisurely strolling on the treadmill, you probably won’t achieve the weight loss you desire. But if you move with intensity and get your heart rate going, you’re far more likely to burn a substantial amount of calories.
• Mix It Up: Shaking up your routine prevents boredom and keeps your body in excellent shape. If you only work one part of your body, that prevents you from achieving the results you really want. Many make the mistake of only exercising one area, such as their midsection or thighs. But it’s important to increase stamina and build muscle all over the body.
• Lift Weights: It’s common to avoid weightlifting for fear of bulking up. However, no one transforms into a bodybuilder overnight. Unless your goal is to do just that, it won’t happen. What will happen is a steady increase in muscle mass, which, in turn, increases your body’s ability to burn calories while at rest. That’s why weight training is just as important as cardiovascular exercise.
• Work to Exhaustion: Do you feel the burn during your exercise and fitness routine? If not, you aren’t working your muscles to exhaustion. That burning sensation is a good sign; it means you’re putting in 100% and burning more calories than you would otherwise. Remember: one pound of fat is equal to 3500 calories, so the more calories you burn, the more fat you will lose over time.
• Warm Up: Don’t begin or end a workout without a warm-up or cool-down routine. Before you begin exercising, your muscles are cold, and jumping right into your fitness program can increase the chance of injury. Warm up your body by stretching your muscles or jogging lightly in place. The idea is to ease into the hard part of your routine without risking injury. Then cool down with gentle stretches to relax your body.

With hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve their weight loss goals at the gym. It’s just a matter of understanding how to lose weight—and often, the key is simply to remain determined and exercise the right way.

Anytime Fitness is the leading health and fitness club in Chesterfield, MO. If you’re trying to lose weight and need a little support, they have everything you need to succeed. Visit their website to learn more about their facility and the services they offer, or give them a call at (314) 485-8986.