Walking For Weight Loss
Losing Body Fat
Anyone who wants to lose weight knows that exercise goes hand in hand with your goal. Sure, you can lose weight strictly by dieting and cutting your calories drastically. However, if you don't incorporate a regular exercise
program into your diet plan, by the time you've lost the pounds, you'll surely notice an unsightly lack of tone to your body. Arms, legs and your waistline will be smaller, but skin will be hanging off your body in a wrinkly mess. Without exercise, it will also take longer to reach your weight loss goal. You'll also lose out on the benefits to your cardiovascular system.
So many dieters are adverse to the idea of exercising. Even though you may realize that a sedentary lifestyle contributed to your weight gain, you shouldn't think of exercise as torture. It's so easy to make excuses for why you can't take up some form of exercise. You don't have time. You don't like to work out. On and on. Walking for weight loss can work for any dieter.
Did you know that walking for just 15 minutes, twice a day, can burn 400 to 500 calories and provide significant health benefits, particularly with your cardiovascular health? Not to mention that you'll be toning your muscles all along the way. Weight loss experts generally agree that walking for weight loss, just 4-5 days a week, provides you all of these health benefits. This also means that your 1800 calorie a day diet is effectively now a 1300-1400 calorie diet. Walking for weight loss is a winner!
There are many missed opportunities that will allow you to fulfill your exercise program. If you've been leading a sedentary lifestyle, you probably have not given much thought to these opportunities. We are all so used to driving everywhere, but with the price of gas a current concern, it's far easier and economical to take short walks, save some gas money and get into better shape, all at the same time.
For example, let's say you need a quart of milk from the corner store, just a few blocks away. Instead of driving, walk there! Going to visit your neighbor, just a short distance away? Walk there too! Take the stairs at work, instead of the elevator. Drive to the park and take a 15-30 minute walk every now and then. While getting your exercise, you'll also have a chance to enjoy the scenery. Take your dog for a walk. Go to the mall and walk from one end to the other and back. You don't need to spend any money, just window shop if you like. If you're accustomed to driving to pick the kids up from school, consider walking if it's not too far away. This is a good way to get them in the habit of walking, too.
It's easy to see how there are dozens of opportunities for you to implement your walking for weight loss plan. In fact, it's a good idea to make a list of such activities. Don't use inclement weather as an excuse. Just use an indoor venue, such as the mall, a museum or a large city library.
Almost anyone can make use of the walking for weight loss concept. You can start out walking slowly, as necessary, and build up steam over a period of a few weeks. You'll get in great shape in no time and reach your weight loss goal in much less time.
