If you are one of the many people who would like to get in shape and lose a few pounds, then this is a goal which is readily obtainable. It really is very simple – if you wish to lose weight then you must take on fewer calories in the form of food and drink than you use up in the form of physical activity. Consistently burning off more calories than you take on will, over time, result in weight loss. There is no magic formula, pill or wonder drug that will modify that simple equation.
Basically, if you want to lose weight, then you need to eat and drink less (diet), burn more calories (exercise) – or both. In fact, the best solution is very definitely to do both simultaneously. Taking regular exercise will increase your metabolic rate – the rate at which you burn calories. As long as you exercise on a regular basis then you will burn calories at a greater rate when you’re not exercising, for example sitting watching the TV, typing on your computer or even sleeping.
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.
The recommendation of many health and fitness professionals is that we should try to walk 10,000 steps a day. That equates to a distance of between four and a half and five miles for the average person. It sounds like a long way – but you may be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to achieve. Remember, that 10,000 steps is the total distance, it includes the normal walking that you do every day anyway. You’re not starting from scratch.
Leave the car in the garage and walk to work or the shops now and again – or get off the bus one or two stops before you reach your final destination and complete the last leg of your journey on foot. If the distances involved are too far to walk then don’t feel guilty – take the car anyway. Just park it in a faraway corner of the parking lot so that you need to walk further to get to the entrance. Forget the lift and take the stairs. Take advantage of modern technology and pace around when you’re talking on your mobile or cordless phone. Go for a quick walk around the block at lunchtime. All of these small changes soon add 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.
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