Best exercise for weight loss

1. Sitting and reading or watching TV
Here's where we start off the exercise scale but rather than class this as an exercise we refer to this as an activity. It does burn a little more energy than sitting quietly or sleeping, although the extra energy requirement comes from increased brain activity by consciously interpreting what was seen or read. Increased brain activity burns mostly carbohydrates however many other metabolic processes will use fat to fuel the processes, problem is there is very little total calories being burned. At an estimate this activity will burn 1-2* calories per minute which is very low even though up to 80%** will come from muscle burning fat!
2. Light housework - (i.e. dusting or washing up)
These activities also burn little total calories - around 2-3*calories per minute. Higher percentages of fat will be utilised around 70%* of calories burned.
It may seem unusual to include these types of activities when trying to lose weight but they can be a great aid for speeding metabolism. For example performing more chores around the house regularly would increase activity therefore increase the energy expenditure for the day. Total calories burned would be much higher and result in a great amount of fat burned.
3. Walking
Walking is said to be one of the best exercises for losing weight. The percentage of fat burning is around the 55% ** mark, however as with all exercises it really depends on the intensity of effort.
Walking not only burns a good proportion of stored fat it can also burn a large amount of calories especially performed for longer durations and at a brisk pace. A good balance between the percentage of fat and the total calories burned should be the basis behind choosing any exercise for losing weight.
4. Aerobic exercise or light Jogging
Aerobic classes are very popular for many trying to lose weight. They can be very effective in burning a large amount of total energy in a single session. However if a person is overweight and/or unfit the class may become too intense for proper fat burning, especially if the individual is highly motivated to keep up with other, fitter members of the class. For this individual breathing would become heavy and this will always result in carbohydrates becoming the predominant fuel, pushing the percentage of fat burning down as low as 30%
It may be wise to start off any new exercise program with gentle walking activities. After a few weeks try walking briskly until a little fitness is developed then aerobic exercise may be more effective.