Walk the Pounds Away
By Michele Blandino
The concept is simple: walking is good for you. The benefits are numerous: weight loss, better cardiovascular health, decrease in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and fewer aches and pains are all potential by-products of a regular walking program.
And because the only equipment needed is a good pair of walking shoes, walking ranks among the most inexpensive forms of exercise available. But because even good things can sometimes be harmful, it is best to approach a new walking program carefully.
First Things First
Nearly everyone, regardless of how much they weigh, can undertake a walking program. The key to successfully doing this is to start slowly and gradually increase the distance you cover. But before you even take your first step, you should consult your doctor.
Once you receive the go-ahead, all you need to do is put on your sneakers and head outside. Depending on your overall health and physical condition, you may need to start slow, extremely slow. And, that’s fine. The important thing is that you are consistent and persistent. Try to get outside for a walk every day and if possible, try to walk at the same time each day; by making exercise part of your daily routine, it will become more of a habit and less of an imposition.
Start Slow
If you are just starting out, choose terrain that is relatively flat – the hills can wait until you have built up your endurance. In the beginning, the distance you cover isn’t nearly as important as the amount of time you walk, so don’t worry about having to walk a set distance – there will be plenty of time for that later. For now, just focus on increasing the amount of time you walk – even increases of one minute per day will have you doubling your first five minute walk by the end of your first week.
Introduce Variety
Some walkers find that changing their route each day makes the walk more appealing. Even a simple change such as the direction you take when walking around the block can help to put some variation into your routine. Later, as your endurance increases, you can begin to vary your terrain which will allow you to introduce even more variety into your walk.
Another way to make your daily walk more interesting is to find a walking partner. Having someone to walk with will not only help pass the time more quickly, but will also make you more likely to maintain your routine.
Don’t Forget Your Diet
It’s important to realize that walking alone will not help you lose weight you will also need to closely monitor your diet. However, when used in combination with a sensible diet, walking can help to move weight loss along as well as maintain that weight loss.
For More Information:
Before you lace up your sneakers and hit the streets, you should take some time to look at the following web sites:
