Lose the Last 10 Pounds!

Anyone who has gone on a long-term weight loss plan knows that, without a doubt, losing the "last 10 pounds" is the most difficult thing to do. This is because -- after weeks of regular exercise and dieting -- your body has adapted. It has become much more "efficient" and burns far fewer calories during exercise than it once needed to. The solution? Exercise at a higher intensity level! High-intensity exercise techniques - such as interval training - are proven to burn off body fat and help you to lose those last 10 pounds...

From MSN Fitness:

Studies show that losing those stubborn remaining pounds requires a significant increase in exercise intensity, one that enables you to reach and maintain 80 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate once or twice a week. When you reach that level, you give your metabolism an additional boost; moreover, the benefits of that boost last longer, so you burn more calories and fat at rest, not just during the workout.

While the idea of working out harder or faster or longer than you've become used to can be daunting, the process itself can actually be pleasurable if you approach it correctly. I like to incorporate "interval" training, which means picking up the intensity of the workout for short bursts, then recovering by continuing at normal speed. So if, for example, I'm walking for 30 minutes, I'll alternate three minutes of sprint-like (not really sprinting) intervals with three minutes of my ordinary pace. (Keep in mind that interval training can be applied to any aerobics activity, from swimming to jogging to cycling.)

If you're working out alone, try getting into a class, where you might be inspired to work harder by the other people around you. You can also try working out to faster music than you're used to; your body will probably want to keep pace with the rhythm all on its own.

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