I have been a personal trainer and a Pilates instructor for over 10 years. I regularly get questions from clients asking the best way to reduce the size of a body part. This afternoon, a new client asked me how to lose her "muffin top", that roll of flesh that hangs over the waistband of a pair of pants that used to fit just fine and now does not.
I would love to tell you that taking my Pilates class will help you lose your muffin top, but it won't. There is no exercise that will "spot reduce". The way to lose inches is to increase cardiovascular or aerobic exercise. Cardiovascular or aerobic exercise is any activity that uses the large muscle groups in a rhythmic fashion for more than fifteen minutes. Walking, running, swimming, cycling are all examples of aerobic exercise.
One of the easiest activities to initiate is a walking program. I highly recommend my clients wear a pedometer every day. A pedometer records every step you take. Pedometers are available just about anywhere sporting goods are sold. A simple pedometer can cost as little as $5.00. When clients tell me they want to lose weight, I usually give them one if they agree to wear it every day. Researchers have found that the people who get the most steps have the best health and the lowest body weight. A good goal 10,000 steps a day. If losing weight is desired, 20,000 steps a day could be a goal.
If you would like to learn more about losing your muffin top come to a class at Pilates Plus at 500 Nordhoff Place, Englewood, NJ 201-569-7970 or look for my website at www.pilatesplus.org sign up for my newsletter to learn more about exercise and lifestyle.
