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The Joy of Walking

By: Jacquelyn Mcclain

I discovered the joys of walking quite by accident, a car accident that is. Being without a car, short on cash to purchase another and no handy public transit available, I was literally forced to walk to work and home again each day (a distance of over two miles). Never in my wildest dreams did I ever realize what I considered at the time to be the darkest day of my life would turn out to be the best day of my life, completely changing my life and my lifestyle forever.

Walking to lose weight is healthy, no doubt. But it’s also a great way to get around the neighborhood, meet neighbors, and see things you probably miss while driving around everywhere you go. Walking is a popular option to lose weight for those who wish to embark on an exercise program. Walking is also very helpful to those of us who are stuck inside a classroom, our houses or office cubicles day in and day out, with little change from the monotony of school,the office or house work. In fact, if you are considering walking to lose weight, there are many options you can explore on how to go about this.

Walk with a friend or group of friends to keep yourself motivated. If you need time to think, walk by yourself to clear your head. Walking is just as flexible as you are. Walking to lose weight may not sound like the most exciting, revolutionary or scientific idea you’ve heard. It almost sounds too simple –the notion that you can lose weight by by doing something as everyday as walking. Walking to lose weight is ideal because almost anyone regardless of age can do it.

Walking is an easy way to start a weight loss program, just be sure to start slow and use lots of common sense. Start out by running for 30 seconds every 10 minutes of the walk. Start with 15 minute walks per day at an easy pace and increase it by five minutes per day if you can, until you reach 60 minutes a day most days of the week. As your fitness level increases, you can raise the intensity of your walking to increase the number of calories you burn. This builds a healthy habit. If you can’t take an hour a day to exercise, go less on some days but keep to your walking routine.

Fast walking may be the most preferable combination of both, as it makes you burn calories and does not require too much time. Fast walking has the advantage of involving your cardiovascular system more intensively. You improve heart condition and increase fitness level. Walking to lose weight is the simplest but most effective cardiovascular exercise there is. Walking for a whole mile at a steady medium pace burns up as much calories as jogging for 15 minutes - minus the strain on the knees and ankles too.

Instead of taking walking for granted, get started today and burn the fat and build the muscle that will get you into shape quickly. Instead of getting in the car to visit a neighbor, walk over. If you are going to the mall, park further away from the building and walk in and back. Take the stairs instead of using the escalator at the mall. Little things to be sure but they add up to a healthier,slimmer you in the long run.

Article Source: http://familygardenhome.com

Can't seem to lose weight? Hate exercising and fad diets? For weight loss, exercise tips and diet suggestions visit our Teen Weight Loss website. There is advice and strategies for everyone. Check out more on The Joy of Walking

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