We know that dieting trumps exercise when you are talking about getting to a weight loss goal in a quick manner. Cutting calories through changing your diet is much more efficient and actually easier to figure.  Decreasing food intake is easier than increasing activity for most. There is no denying that exercise, and in this case low intensity, short duration exercise,  is a great idea to give you some wonderful physiological and even psychological benefits. I often say the "e" in exercise if for enjoyment.  And we should exercise to feel good not to drop weight quickly.

In terms of activity on a low calorie weight loss plan like the one we do at Christie Clinic Transformations, light to moderate activity is encouraged. And this would go for other low carb weight loss plans.   The goal is not to burn as many calories through exercise while on this type of diet plan, but simple to get the body moving.  Your body simply doesn't need to be under that stress, nor do your body's energy stores have enough built up to have the stamina to power through!  More vigorous activity can be reserved for the maintenance phase of dieting.

We encourage walking as one of the best forms of exercise. One of the best ways to test yourself in your own personal way is to have a walking challenge and see how many steps you can walk in one day.  This way you can determine what might be a light, moderate and heavy type of walking day for you. It's good to just have that starting point or baseline, and then work your way up as you go along.

Best forms of exercise for dieting:

1. Walking: 20-30 minutes a few days a week

2. Free weights with various multi joint exercises

3. Body weight exercises in a chair or on the floor

4. Light swimming or biking