Many of us would like to lose weight. While other goals such as improving strength and growing muscle can be achieved by training just a few hours each week, weight loss requires an ongoing commitment to both nutrition and exercise. Weight Loss Nutrition In order to lose weight, you need to encourage your body to use its fat stores for energy. This requires you to consume fewer calories than your body is actually using. A well-formulated nutrition plan is an extremely important part of any weight loss program. Effective weight loss diets include counting calories and focusing on macronutrients. When counting calories, you need to figure out the amount of energy required to keep your body functioning during rest, as well as how much energy is needed for daily activities. You should consume around 500 calories less than that combined amount. The other approach is to focus on the macronutrients being consumed. These types of diets typically limit carbohydrates in favor of fats and protein. Exercise Programs for Effective Weight Loss Not all exercise programs are created equal. In order to achieve your weight loss goal, you need to exercise in such a way that you maximize the fat being used as energy. Another method is to raise your resting metabolism. This is typically accomplished by building muscle or by provoking excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. The most successful fitness programs are those that are based around achieving a specific goal. Your fitness program should be specially designed to offer a variety of training styles and approaches. It should match your skill level and allow for proper rest between training sessions. Fitness Programs in Washington DC Our experienced personal trainers can help you determine which exercise program is right for you. It’s important to remember that no matter which type of program you choose, fat loss requires a significant amount of time and effort. Atlas Fitness can help you figure out the best combination of nutrition and exercise program to help you achieve your weight loss goal. Our personal trainers are held to the highest industry standards. They are fully trained and experienced to help individuals of all abilities reach their fitness goals. Please contact us for more information.