Going for Goal: This 5-Minute Workout Could Be Key for Weight Loss

Each week, we'll be bringing you the best advice from the WH team's brand-new podcast, Going for Goal. Focused on helping you smash your 2020 goals, the show interviews leading experts about their secrets to success. First up: here's the nugget taken from episode 1: How to lose weight healthily - without crash dieting. Head here to listen and download on your device.

The debut episode of Going for Goal episode heard from TV's favourite GP Dr Zoe Williams alongside sports dietician Renee McGregor, as they discussed how we can lose weight in a smart and sustainable way – aka, no crash diets in sight. Their most surprising weight loss tip? Skipping.

Skipping might sound like a hangover from the days of school skirts and soggy chocolate sponges, but it's also a cheap, high-intensity workout to rival the fanciest of classes – all you need is a sturdy rope and enough space to swing it. Steer clear of any house plants and you're golden.

The adult approach to jumping rope will likely – though not necessarily – involve less singing than your playground days, but the benefits are just as real. Toning all over the body and providing a host of feel-good endorphins, the workout can even help boost your immune system, according to the British Rope Skipping Association.

As well as what's on your plate, this episode's expert panel looked at the simple exercises we can be doing to support healthy weight loss. 'It's not just about the calories,' said McGregor. 'I think it's really important to understand that you have to do things side by side. Having generally healthier behaviours is so important.'

Finding it hard to make it to the gym on a dreary winter's morning? No problem. McGregor is keen to stress the benefits of simple, at-home workouts.

'You don't have to go to the gym or join a HIIT class, you can go for a walk – 20 minutes, three times a week, makes a difference,' she explains. 'Just skipping in your garden for five minutes every day makes a difference – it's these simple things that will have an effect.'

Hey, if it's good enough for Rocky…

Speaking of these smaller habits, Dr Williams agreed that little and often is better than nothing at all: 'It's those little things like taking the stairs instead of the lift, or swapping your morning bus ride for a walk. Making something a habit and doing it regularly, that's going to make a huge difference.'

Tune into to Episode 1 of Going for Goal to hear more of our experts' top tips on making your healthy weight loss goals a reality this new year.

Head here to listen and download on your device.