If you're in the process of losing weight, or you're developing a natural weight loss plan to lose weight, then you're likely looking at how to incorporate exercise into your program. To do this, it's helpful to understand the different types of exercise available to you and how they impact the body.

There are three primary types of exercise; strengthening, flexibility and aerobic. The truth is; it's best if you can incorporate some level of each of these types of exercise into your exercise program, and it doesn't have to be as hard as it might seem to do so.

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise uses oxygen to fuel the muscles and makes your heart work harder. When you engage in regular aerobic exercise, you burn calories and fat which in turn helps you lose weight. Doctors recommend engaging in 30 minutes of cumulative aerobic exercise every day for optimal health. Aerobic exercise includes running, jogging, bicycling, swimming, basketball, skiing and climbing stairs to name a few. You may also choose to participate in an aerobics class to get your regular dose of aerobic exercise.

Strengthening Exercise

Strengthening exercise builds muscular strength and is a great complement to aerobic exercise. Lifting weights or utilizing resistance training machines are a great way to build muscle strength, but you can also successfully build muscle in the comfort of your own home by doing sit-ups, push-ups, leg lifts or taking a 2-5 pound weight with you when you go for a walk. Resistance bands can be purchased and used in the comfort of your home, as well.

Flexibility Training

Flexibility training is important because as we age, the full range of motion of our muscles and joints can decrease, and stretching can prevent this from happening. It's easy to incorporate stretching into your exercise routine by stretching for at least 5-10 minutes before and after aerobic and strength-training exercise programs. And be sure you don't overstretch, as this can injure your body.

There are different exercise program options that you can choose to incorporate into your exercise program for weight loss that includes all of the above areas of focus. Pilates, for example, provides strength training, stretching and aerobic exercise. Yoga does the same, with an emphasis on quieting the mind and increasing focus and balance. Various forms of Martial Arts are also a good option to keep weight loss interesting. Or you may choose to purchase a video to move along with in the comfort of your own home. The options are endless.

It doesn't matter what you choose in regards to an exercise routine as long as it works for you and keeps you motivated. The important thing is you're exercising regularly and incorporating aerobic, strength training and stretching exercises into whatever routine you choose for you. By doing so, you'll get a more comprehensive exercise experience that provides the maximum impact and gain for your body as you venture down the path to weight loss.