If your anything like me you’ve looked in the mirror at some point and thought, “my hips look huge,” then tried to remedy the unwanted bulges with the latest diet or exercise craze.

Contrary to what the diet industry tells you there is no magic pill for weight loss.  The only real way to lose weight is to cut calories and add activity to your life to burn calories.

Here are my three favorite exercises you might want to try. 

Home Elliptical Stationary Bike

One of the easiest ways to incorporate a cardio exercise program into your daily life is to purchase an Elliptical Stationary bike. They are compact and affordable like this one I found on ebay. 

You can do this exercise three times a week while watching your favorite television show so I know you can fit it into your busy schedule.

The Benefits of riding an Elliptical Trainer Stationary Bike are many:

• Burns Calories
• Tones thighs, hips and arms
• Strengthens your cardiovascular system
• Low impact workout to protect your knees 
• Convenience: You can workout regardless of the outdoor weather. Thus, you can meet your fitness goals without worrying about excessive heat, sun or rain.

Kickboxing (This is my favorite)

If you’re stuck in a workout rut or looking for a motivating fitness routine, you might consider adding a high-energy kickboxing workout to the schedule. Kickboxing workouts combine martial arts techniques with heart-pumping cardio, which means you can get a total body workout and whip yourself into shape in no time.

Here are some benefits of kickboxing workouts

• Stress Buster 
• Boost Confidence Levels 
• Improved Coordination
• Burn Mega Calories 
• Ideal Cross-Training Workout 
• Energy Boost
• Better Posture

Whether you’re a fitness newbie or long-time gym aficionado, undertaking a kickboxing workout at least once per week can help you feel re-energized and out of a rut.

So come on girls get off the couch and grab yourself a pair of fun boxing gloves  like the cute pink ones I found here on ebay and get moving!

Aerobic Stepping

If kickboxing isn’t your thing don’t fret, as you can still get a really good cardio workout by doing a 30 minute step aerobic workout. No need for any fancy gyms either.  Simply purchase a platform step like the one here I found on ebay.

Step aerobics does not have to be boring. You can purchase all sorts of different video workout CD’s with various routines…anywhere from basic steps to advanced dance step routines. Personally I love the dance step routines the best so if you like to dance give them a try.

The trick to sticking with an exercise program is to find a variety of activities you enjoy and change them around…don’t do the same activity every day as eventually it will be boring and routine.  If the exercises I mentioned here are not to your liking that is ok…do what you enjoy..if you enjoy walking go to a pretty park; try a new activity such as swimming or tennis. By simply adding some sort of activity to your life you will feel better about yourself and less stressed in all facets of life.  Exercise is a great stress reliever!!!!!

*Photo Credits : Almost Free Now - ebay