Walking as an Effective Weight Loss Tool
Daniel Andrade
January 08, 2008
An exercise program is an important part of an overall weight loss strategy. A brisk walk provides a good, aerobic exercise and does not require any special equipment. If you have a good pair of shoes and a destination in mind, that is all you need to begin. As long as you have a go ahead from your doctor, there is no need to worry about walking being too strenuous.
A brisk walk servers as better exercise than just a leisurely stroll around your neighborhood. Before setting out for a walk, take a stop watch with you and set a time for the destination. It should not be impossible to reach within the time you allot for your walks. (Half an hour three times a a week is recommended), but the walk itself should be a challenge. If you are unsure of the distance to your chosen destination, buying a pedometer will help you figure it out. (Pedometers can also let you know how many steps you have taken during a walk or throughout the day as a whole.)
Once you have a destination or set of destinations picked out to walk to, set the timer and set off towards your goal. Try to keep a steady pace up for the maximum weight loss effect. As with any other weight loss exercise program, be sure to take some water with you, especially on hot days as dehydration is a real possibility. If you do not make it to the intended destination and back in the allotted time do not worry if the amount of time it takes is close to what you planned. Pick up the pace the next day and try to reach the goal you have set for yourself.
Their may be more effective weight loss exercises for losing weight, but walking is one exercise that a person can engage in throughout is life and it does not have much impact on the body. If you plan on using brisk walking as part of your weight loss strategy, you can vary it with other exercises or you can add weights and try power walking. But walking works most of the major muscle groups in the body and provides a good aerobic workout at any age. Adding a partner to it or simply walking to a destination in town that you normally would walk to can help vary the routine and keep you interested in it.
A brisk walk servers as better exercise than just a leisurely stroll around your neighborhood. Before setting out for a walk, take a stop watch with you and set a time for the destination. It should not be impossible to reach within the time you allot for your walks. (Half an hour three times a a week is recommended), but the walk itself should be a challenge. If you are unsure of the distance to your chosen destination, buying a pedometer will help you figure it out. (Pedometers can also let you know how many steps you have taken during a walk or throughout the day as a whole.)
Once you have a destination or set of destinations picked out to walk to, set the timer and set off towards your goal. Try to keep a steady pace up for the maximum weight loss effect. As with any other weight loss exercise program, be sure to take some water with you, especially on hot days as dehydration is a real possibility. If you do not make it to the intended destination and back in the allotted time do not worry if the amount of time it takes is close to what you planned. Pick up the pace the next day and try to reach the goal you have set for yourself.
Their may be more effective weight loss exercises for losing weight, but walking is one exercise that a person can engage in throughout is life and it does not have much impact on the body. If you plan on using brisk walking as part of your weight loss strategy, you can vary it with other exercises or you can add weights and try power walking. But walking works most of the major muscle groups in the body and provides a good aerobic workout at any age. Adding a partner to it or simply walking to a destination in town that you normally would walk to can help vary the routine and keep you interested in it.
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