Losing Weight With A Walking Exercise Program
If you are one of the many people who would like to lose a few pounds and get into better shape, then it really is quite simple (and achievable). In order to lose weight you must consume fewer calories by eating and drinking than you burn off as a result of physical activity. If you use up more calories than you consume on a regular basis then your weight will reduce. There is no magic pill or diet supplement that will alter that simple fact.
So if you are after weight loss then you can eat and drink less (diet), use up more calories (exercise) - or both. Doing both is clearly the optimal solution. Regular physical exercise will increase your metabolic rate - the speed at which you burn calories. If you take exercise on a regular and consistent basis then your increased metabolic rate will mean that you burn off calories more quickly even when you’re not taking exercise - for example, when you’re typing on your computer, sitting watching the TV - even when you’re sleeping.
Unfortunately, for many people the very idea of taking exercise can be off-putting - but there’s absolutely no reason to shy away from exercise - it doesn’t need you to get all hot and sweaty. Walking is one of the very best forms of exercise that you can take part in, and it’s something which the majority of us do on a daily basis anyway. You just need to walk a little more often and a little further and you will soon reap the rewards - and there are many health benefits available to those who walk on a regular basis.
According to many medical sources we should all be trying to walk for 10,000 steps each day. For most people that approximates to a distance of somewhere between four and a half and five miles. It does sound like a long way - but it’s considerably easier to achieve than you might imagine. Don’t forget - 10,000 steps is the total distance, including the normal walking that you do as you go about your daily business anyway. You already have a base to build upon.
Walk to work or the shops instead of taking the car - or get off the bus one or two stops early and complete the last leg of your journey by walking. If you do take the car then park it in a corner of the parking lot that’s well away from the entrance so that you have further to walk. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Take a fifteen minute walk at lunch time. It all adds up.
No special equipment is needed - all you require is a pair of comfortable shoes and you’re all set. However, a pedometer might be a worthwhile investment for you - especially if a lot of your walking is subdivided into short sessions throughout your day. It will record and monitor your progress in terms of the number of steps taken, the number of calories burned and the distance covered - whichever interests you most. This should help you to stay motivated.
If you don’t already have one, then an mp3 player might not be a bad idea. When you’re walking along listening to your favorite music the miles and the time will simply fly by.
Finally, you might want to look at how some of the latest exercise shoes - such as Reebok Easy Tones, Skecher’s Shape Ups or Fitflops - can help to boost the efficiency of your walking to lose weight fitness regime. These all claim to increase the amount of work done during normal walking - thereby increasing the return on your investment of time.