Walking and Weight Loss - My Top 10 Tips

If you are trying to lose a few extra pounds have you ever considered walking and weight loss? It is probably the best proven method to lose weight steadily and at a healthy rate. The benefits are numerous;

• You don't need fancy equipment
• You don't need gym membership
• It's exercise that is accessible for all
• It can be sociable
• Or time for yourself
• It has proven benefits for toning, cardiovascular and stress reduction
• You get to enjoy things you would miss in faster paced exercise.
• And if you make it part of your regular habit - You Will Lose Weight!

Ready to Go? Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your walking

1. Take a good stance before you begin to walk. Head high, shoulders relaxed and breathe deep into the abdomen.
2. Maintain a moderate pace, neither too fast nor too slow. My guide is to walk at a pace that gets me mildly out of breath, but still able to have a conversation.
3. Swinging your arms as you walk will increase the amount of calories you burn.
4. Invest in good walking shoes. You will avoid blisters and other injuries
5. Don't be tempted to push too hard on your first walks. Take your time; your pace will build up and at first slightly slower will still burn calories.
6. Try to incorporate your walking into normal daily life; this will make it more likely you will continue.
7. You can use essential tasks to supplement your walking. Walk short distances rather than take the car and use the stairs at work. Every step counts.
8. Avoid checking the scales too regularly. Regular walking will lead to toning and weight loss over time. Make the first check after a month.
9. Enjoy your walking. Look around you and notice nature. Last week 7 deer crossed the path in front of me. Beautiful.
10. Build your distances slowly. If you attempt a ten mile hike of day one you will probably give up after a day of nursing aches and blisters.

So there you have it my top 10 tips. You can gain so much pleasure from walking, it can be done at your own pace and to suit your level of fitness and it is suitable for any age - My dad, at 81 still walks regularly and can out pace many half his age. Walking will also compliment any other healthy eating or exercise plan you may choose to follow.