Weight loss can be a challenge for many people and there are so many exercises that you can lose weight performing in a very short amount of time. First, let me cover some of the most important issues that will help you get the most out of each exercise. In order to lose the most amount of weight you want to be able to do 2 main things: incorporate the most amount of muscle groups and using your entire body to perform the exercises.

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SQUATS:

Squats are one of the most best exercises for the reason they use our entire lower body. Our legs have the largest muscles in our body and squats work all of them when performing correctly. Once you add in some specialized training like "time under tension" you will take the exercise to the next level. Along with just being great for weight loss, squats will help you "tone-up" your legs at the same time.

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KETTLEBELL SWINGS:

I absolutely love kettlebells mainly because I never saw any abs until I utilized them into my workouts. At the time I didn't fully understand fat loss myself and I thought I tried everything! I started incorporating a basic 2-hand kettlebell swing into my workouts 3x a week and my body changed dramatically. When done correctly kettlebells incorporate our biggest muscle groups: hamstrings, glutes, back, shoulders and even our core. Along with just weight loss and fat loss, kettlebells along improve our hip flexibility and core strength. There is a reason that MMA fighters use them in their training as well. It is a great functional strength exercise.

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PLANKS/PUSHUPS: 

You may be wondering which one: planks or pushups? Planks are a great beginner and intermediate exercise, but you may not see many advanced fitness enthusiasts doing planks. I rarely ever do planks, unless I am teaching my clients how to properly align their body for planks. The reason is because push-ups are planks while moving your body. When you are in a perfect plank position it is the same position as the beginning of a push-up.

I also teach my clients upper body planks, where you are using your hands and not your forearms. The reason is because when you use your hands you are incorporating your entire body and not just your core. This also prevents you from having bad form as you are not pushing back on your shoulders and upper back. Remember, the main goal of planks and push-ups are to stabilize and engage your full body. Do not get obsessed with how much time or reps but the quality of the time and reps.

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DEADLIFTS:

Deadlifts are one of my favorite exercises for any type of goal. Deadlifts incorporate more muscle groups than any other exercise. Deadlifts make you stronger, leaner and more athletic. Remember, we want to target the most amount of muscle groups to burn the most amount of calories in the shortest time. The struggle with weight loss is the most beneficial exercises are sometimes the hardest to do when we gain weight.

When someone gains weight, they also lose muscle mass and have more ailments and soreness. Areas of their body like their lower back, shoulders and knees can struggle, because you will also lose bone mass. So, along with weight loss you want to add exercises like deadlifts into your routine to strengthen those areas. Strengthen those areas will also increase your metabolism, which will prevent you from hitting a plateau.

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COACH'S TIPS:

Not one exercise is going to be your key to dramatic weight loss, however doing a combination of some of the best exercises is the best way. You can't have strong legs and a weak core and back. Our body performs best when it is working together as one unit. My background in yoga and bodybuilding has given me the experience to help my clients perfect their form, improve on their areas of weakness and push them to getting amazing results.