Walking – A Great Form Of Exercise

If, like many people, you would like to lose weight and get into better shape, then it really is quite simple (and achievable). In order to lose weight you must consume fewer calories by eating and drinking than you burn off as a result of physical activity. If you consistently burn off more calories than you consume over a period of time then you will lose weight. There is no magic formula, health supplement or pill that will change that.

So if you want to lose weight then you need to eat and drink less (by dieting), use up more calories (by exercising) – or both. Doing both is very definitely the most effective solution. Regular physical exercise will increase your metabolic rate – the speed at which you burn calories. If you exercise on a regular basis then your higher metabolic rate will mean that you use up calories faster even when you’re not taking exercise – for example, when you’re sitting reading a book, watching the TV – even when you’re sound asleep.

For may people the very thought of taking exercise conjures up unpleasant and unattractive images – but there’s really no reason to shy away from exercise – it needn’t mean that you have to get all hot, sweaty and out of breath. Walking is a form of exercise that we all do every day – to some extent at least – and it’s also one of the best exercises that you can take.

According to many medical sources we should all be trying to walk for 10,000 steps each day. That’s roughly equal to a distance of between four and a half and five miles for most people. It does sound like a fair old distance – but it’s a lot easier to accomplish than you might think. Don’t forget – 10,000 steps is the total distance, including the normal walking that you do as you go about your daily business anyway. You already have a base to build upon.

Leave the car at home and walk to work – or get off the bus a couple of stops early and finish the last part of your journey on foot. If you do take the car then park it in a corner of the parking lot that’s well away from the entrance so that you have further to walk. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Take a fifteen minute walk at lunch time. It all adds up.

A good pair of comfortable shoes are all you need to get started with a walking exercise program – no other equipment is required. However, you might find a pedometer to be a worthwhile investment – especially if most of your walking is divided into short sessions throughout the day. It will record and monitor your progress in terms of the number of steps taken, the number of calories burned and the distance covered – whichever interests you most. This should help you to stay motivated.

An mp3 player might be a good idea if you are able to fit longer walks into your day. The time and the miles will pass much more quickly when you’re listening to your favourite music.

Have a look at Fit flops fitness shoes. They are specially designed to help to boost the effectiveness of your walking to lose weight exercise program.