Losing Weight | How You Can Walk Off Those Extra Pounds
Whenever I write about losing weight I find myself adding a paragraph about walking.
There are other forms of exercise and certainly more strenuous forms of exercise but most of us starting our weight loss regimes are not that fit and starting a military style fitness regime is likely to put too much strain on our bodies and do more harm than good. Getting up at five o'clock to do a ten mile run followed by a stint in the gym on a cold and wet winter morning is something that you would really look forward to especially when you are telling your body at the same time that you are not going to put quite so much fuel on the boiler.
Personally I like walking and will leave the car where it is if there is a chance that I can reach my destination on foot. Yes it rains, yes it can be cold but warm clothing and a waterproof made for the job is all you need. Oh and a good pair of walking shoes or boots.
Again do not think you have to go on a twenty mile speed hike to get any benefit from the exercise. Start yourself off with a gentle twenty minute walk each day and gradually speed it up. Also don't think of it as a must do chore that you have to spend twenty minutes doing. If all you have time for is fifteen minutes then enjoy your fifteen minutes. If you are enjoying it and you have the time to spare then do more. It is your body, your time and your regime. We are all built that little bit differently both bodily and mentally.
I love walking in the country and preferably where I can get away from masses of people. This I cannot do every week or even every month but given the chance when away on holiday I do. Even though I do my regular short walks I find the first two vacation walks a bit of a challenge. I do not try to go too far or push myself too hard but I still know I have done the walks. After that I have no problem and can increase the length of walk and severity of terrain. My camera is always with me and I stop to photograph scenes, flowers or whatever. You see, I do the walk for enjoyment and not as a route march and it stills does me good. That is the way you should look upon walking as part of your weight loss campaign.
Calorie controlled diets are going to lighten your purse or wallet, especially if you find yourself a good and well supported diet program. Joining a gym to help support that weight loss and tone you up will add another burden on your pocket but know what, walking is free.
To achieve satisfactory weight loss you need to combine your walking with proper diet. A good managed diet incorporating healthy foods supported by walking will help you reach your goal. You will feel good both mentally and physically, you will be surprised how much baggage is cleared from your mind while taking your daily stroll.
William (Bill) White of Start to Diet writes on subjects relating to weight loss, healthy diet and healthy lifestyle.
