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Walking to Lose Weight
Walking to lose weight -- probably the easiest way there is to boost your metabolism and burn calories. It's simple, and you don't need much to get started.
Walking for weight loss isn't anything new, but it's so easy that many people totally overlook it.
But can help you shed pounds, if you give it a fair trial.
What Do I Need?
If you've got a pair of walking or running shoes and some comfy clothes, you're all set!
And extra that is useful is a pedometer, to help keep track of how far you walked. Or, you can measure out a distance (drive it and see how far it is) and use it for a guide.
One thing you don't want to do -- don't skimp on the walking shoes! You don't have to get anything top-of-the-line, but you do need something to support your feet, so that you don't hurt yourself. Likewise, don't wear sandals, flip-flips or go in bare feet.
Where Can I Walk?
Well, outside is good, when the weather cooperates. But it doesn't always cooperate, so what are your other choices?
A mall is an obvious answer, but you have to go there very early to avoid the crowds that can slow you down. Likewise, you can't constantly stop and window-shop or you won't burn enough calories to matter.
In your home is another place. If you have a treadmill, you're off and running (so to speak). But walking to lose weight, at home, when you don't have a treadmill? Sure, it can be done very easily -- there are lots of indoor walking DVDs that will help you keep the pace and count out the mile(s). And they do work -- I know from experience.
Walking to Lose Weight - Burning Calories
OK, you've decided to start walking and want to burn the calories. How do you do know when you're doing it?
You want to get your heart rate up, for at least 10 minutes. Here's a test -- if you can talk easily while walking, you aren't going fast enough. If you can talk, but just barely, you are burning those calories. And if you can't talk at all -- slow down! You won't burn much in the way of extra calories and it's harder on your body.
So, you want 5 minutes of easy walking to get you limbered up, ten minutes of aerobic walking, then 5 minutes of easier walking to cool down. As you become more fit, you'll want to increase your time at the aerobic walking speed, because that is the fat-burning zone!
Walking to lose weight is something so easy to do, and you can get such great benefits out of it. Why not give it a try -- three weeks and you will see a difference!
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All information presented on this site is for educational purposes only, and is not meant for anyone under 18, pregnant, nursing or under supervision of a physician for a medical condition.
For specific weight loss and fitness questions, or for medical advice and treatment, always consult your medical practitioner.