Home & Garden Television: Fat-Burning Exercise
June 2003

Fitness expert Lisa Marie Varon explains the difference between typical exercises and fat-burning exercises.

• Fat-burning exercises are not for just one region but are for the entire body.

• Fat-burning exercises are designed to keep the heart rate elevated between regular exercise sets, such as between each set of arm curls.

• Since heart rate is involved, always consult a physician before beginning this and every exercise routine.

• Fat-burning exercises are designed to utilize body weight, so they can be done without gym equipment.

• Remember that large, sweeping leg movements increase heart rate, but be sure to keep proper form. Improper form can place undue stress on the knee and could lead to an injury.

Figure A

With legs spread further than the shoulders, and toes pointed out, simply squat down, sticking glutes out, then stand. Alternate squatting and standing, keeping the glutes tight and not locking the knees. This exercise should be slow and methodical. For added intensity, when standing kick the opposite leg out to the side.

Figure B

Stand with right leg out and left leg back, then simply drop the back knee down. Do not lean forward. Keep the body straight and linear, with the knee dropping at a 90-degree angle. Don’t let the knee hit the ground. Alternate legs, dropping each knee down