It’s 2026 and weight loss goals may be at the top of your mind. But where to begin? We understand kicking off those a new routine can feel daunting. If the thought of designing an all-new exercise regime for 2026 feels overwhelming, don\u2019t panic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Workouts for weight loss don\u2019t have to be complicated\u2014in fact, the best exercise routine is the one you\u2019ll stick to. If you\u2019re taking GLP-1 for weight loss, you should pair it with \u201cincreased physical activity,\u201d according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)<\/a>. But what exactly does that mean, and how can you ensure your efforts are effective and sustainable?<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no shortage of advice on which types of exercise are best for weight loss. Some tout the benefits of aerobic exercise; others insist that resistance and weight training reign supreme. The good news? Research shows benefits to each\u2014and that their effectiveness is compounded when you employ a mix of both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This study<\/a> found that the most effective workout routines for weight loss and fat loss are those that combine aerobic and resistance training. In other words, pairing cardio workouts with resistance exercises or weight training will boast the highest return on your time invested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research<\/a> also shows that, when employed consistently, smaller bouts of exercise spread throughout the day are just as effective as one longer workout session. So, if you can find two or three types of exercise you actually enjoy, then incorporate them into your daily routine, you\u2019ll be well on your way to your weight loss goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ready to kickstart your 2026 weight loss goals? Here are 5 expert-recommended workouts you can do alone or with a friend\u2014with little to no equipment required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contrary to popular belief, you don\u2019t need expensive equipment or a fancy gym membership to get your workout in (although if those motivate you, go right ahead). In fact, some of the most effective workouts don\u2019t require anything but a comfortable pair of shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walking, for example, is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your calorie expenditure throughout the day. Research<\/a> shows that step count has a direct impact on long-term weight loss and maintenance. While experts recommend 10,000 steps per day, it\u2019s okay to work your way up to that goal. To start, try taking 3,500 steps in one walking session, performed at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity, and adding more steps as you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you get more comfortable, kick your walk into a higher gear to make it a little more challenging. Here are some ideas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Increase your pace:<\/strong> Choose a walking playlist you love. Pick up the pace during one song, then slow it down during the next, and repeat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Add an incline:<\/strong> If you\u2019re walking on a treadmill, try increasing the incline little by little. If you\u2019re walking outside, choose a route that features a hill or two. Not only will this increase your calories burned, but it\u2019ll also help build lean muscle as you walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Go the distance:<\/strong> Increase your distance a little bit with each walk. By adding smaller increments slowly over time, you\u2019ll hardly notice the difference, but your step count will increase steadily each week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You know that your body burns calories to keep vital functions (like breathing and digestion) going. But did you know that muscle mass is the main factor in determining how many calories it burns? According to Mayo Clinic<\/a>, those with higher muscle mass burn more calories at rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To speed up our body\u2019s basal metabolic rate (the rate at which it burns calories), we want to build and maintain lean muscle mass. And the best way to do this, per Harvard Health Publishing<\/a>, is to practice strength training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To start, keep it simple with bodyweight exercises like lunges, squats, and wall push ups. These exercises allow you to rely on your body weight alone, and they work multiple muscle groups at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you build up strength, you can try adding some weights or dumbbells to the mix\u2014but we recommend working with a trainer to get comfortable and learn the correct form. Whether you\u2019re performing bodyweight exercises or lifting weights, remember to go slow and steady (and always stretch before and after your workout!).<\/p>\n\n\nWorkout #1: Walking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Workout #2: Strength Training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n