Sometimes it’s about weight training, sometimes it’s about cardio, and other times it’s about a balance of both. Consider the current shape you’re in. If you’re looking to loose weight, but have no desire to increase muscle mass, then you’ll probably want to begin with a cardio workout routine. Start with your diet. It’s high time to focus on healthy foods like fish, poultry, vegetables, fruits and water. You may be used to fatty carbs, but it’s time to ditch those and pick up whole grains, oatmeal, rice and beans. These are healthy carbs that supply your body with sustained energy for great cardio workouts. Okay, back to the fitness aspect. If you don’t have any exercise equipment, look to the closest gym. Get a membership and begin going an hour each day, five days a week. Spend your time on the elliptical machines, treadmills, recumbent bikes, and pumping out crunches galore. This is how calories are burnt. If you’re sticking to a low-fat diet, you’ll see progress in no time.

For most men, a decent workout routine consists of weight training. You’ll probably want some cardio mixed in there as well, especially if you’re overweight, but most men love the benches and dumbbells. We want lean muscle mass. Try two days of heavy cardio and three days of weight training each week. With weights, you should focus on doing sets with 75 percent of your max. It’s great if you can bench 200 pounds once, but that’s not the way to build mass. An effective workout routine with weights should consist of 4 sets per exercise with 8-12 reps per set. So get to that gym and get started today!

Your first step to success is making a commitment to your cause. One good technique to make your commitment more difficult to back away from is to write a message to yourself, stating, “I will lose x pounds by (date). My goal is x pounds per week.” Below your commitment statement, list all the reasons for your weight loss program. For example, “to feel more energetic, to look nice in clothes, to be proud of my body”. Post your commitment message on the door of your frig.

Now you must decide on the form of exercise that you will abide by every day. Your best way to lose weight must consist of program elements that are right for you. If you hate jogging, that won’t work. Get online and look up charts which compare different forms of exercise and tell you how many calories you’ll burn per hour at each activity. You may be surprised to find that certain household tasks, like vacuuming, consume a considerable number of calories. If you dislike most sports, you might go for the cleanest home in the neighborhood! If you enjoy bowling, take some of the money you’ll save on fast food and bowl every day. Choose an activity you enjoy.

Get a calorie counting book. Make a list of healthy foods you like and count your calories. Cover the food groups. You needn’t deny yourself everything you love. If you love french fries, butter, chocolate cake and ice cream, it’s obvious you can’t have it all, but your best way to lose weight program requires that you not be tormented each day. Choose just one indulgence food and allow yourself a small portion once or twice a week. The rest of your menu should consist of lean meats, fruits, veggies, whole grain breads and a good vitamin and mineral supplement. Sugar freaks, switch to Splenda(, a sugar substitute that tastes just like the real McCoy.

At mealtime, eat slowly and savor every bite. You’ll experience a sense of fullness long before the fast diner. You’ll eat less as a result.

Talk with your doctor. Pass your menus by him or her for approval and suggestions. Now that you’re committed to your program, you’ve found your best way to lose weight!