Diets That Work | Diets That Work: Walking Your Way to Fitness

Diets That Work: Walking Your Way to Fitness

Most diets that work require exercise. It’s somewhat unrealistic to think that diet plans that work would not include the burning of calories by getting out there and “doing something.”  My doctor makes the comment that sidewalks are open 24 hours a day. There is simply no excuse for not including exercise as part of your weight loss program. Losing weight is an eclectic assemblage of various approaches. In short, it usually takes attacking the unwanted pounds from different directions to get it off.

People of all ages can get plenty of exercise from walking. Walking not only helps you keep fit and trim, it also can ward off potential health problems. You don’t need to buy special equipment in order to walk, just a good pair of walking shoes that fit properly and suit your preferences. If you want to begin a walking program, here are some tips to get you started. First, don’t just walk aimlessly – have a destination in mind when you start out. Be sure to wear walking shoes that fit you well. Schedule time on specific days for your walks. Set a goal to walk at least five days a week, for up to 30 minutes per day. You must add 5-10 minutes for each walk to cover the necessary warming up and cooling down time. Don’t shy away from bad weather: If you’re going to start a walking program, discipline yourself to get outside, rain or shine. Set your ultimate walking goal, including how many days/length of time you will walk every week. Be clear on your reasons for walking. Do you want to lose weight or get more exercise? Do you have any health issues that you should ask your doctor about before you begin your walks? Do you intend to branch out and add hikes or marathon races to your regular walking schedule? Keep track of your progress in a journal.

It helps to have a goal to work toward, something you can look forward to. Goals keep people motivated. As you begin each of your walks, remember to keep your eyes forward; at some point you can glance back to see how much distance you’ve covered. It’s very important that your shoes fit properly so that you don’t end up with any unexpected foot injuries. The best walking shoes are firm and will hold their shape; this will prevent you from twisting your ankles. Your shoes also should have good treads to keep you from falling on ice or water. Another reason to buy shoes that fit is so that you can prevent warts and blisters from forming on your feet. After all, walkers need happy feet! Designating days for walking is also important, as you may need to arrange your schedule around your walk times. Establishing a regular walking routine will help muscles to adjust to the new activity, and may alleviate soreness in muscles and joints. Know that any you will continue your walks in spite of the weather, and don’t change your walking days on account of rain or snow. You must find out how far you can walk in your 30-minute allotment, plus the added time for warm-ups and cool-downs. If you want to stick to your exercise schedule, you need to know the time it will take to get from your starting point to your destination. The speed of your walking depends on your reasons for exercising. Are you walking to improve your overall health, training for a marathon, or just trying to shed a few pounds and trim down? You’ll burn more calories by walking faster. If your goal is to participate in a marathon, you must learn how to walk a specific distance in a set amount of time. It’s important that anyone who has health considerations consult with a doctor before starting this type of exercise regimen. Of course not everyone needs a doctor’s approval, but if you do, don’t underestimate the importance of doing so. Writing in your exercise journal can be a fun way of charting your progress. You’ll get a kick out of looking back over your pages and watching yourself improve day by day. And when you finally reach your exercise goal, you’ll have plenty of reason to be proud of yourself. Don’t forget, diets that work require discipline, and walking is a great way to get started.

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