Lose Weight by Walking
We all want to lose a few extra pounds but unless we’re the most committed fitness enthusiast, we often don’t know where to start. If the idea of a sweaty session at the gym fills you with dread (or just plain apathy!), then there is actually an activity that costs nothing, is easily accessible, has huge health benefits and is staring right back up at you…walking!
It is a said that a daily walking target of 10,000 steps is the required amount to see health benefits and weight loss. It is important to remember that this must be combined with a calorie controlled diet.
Pedometers are a widely available and affordable method for counting your steps. If you have a fairly sedentary desk based job, it is even more important that you conduct some form of exercise daily.
Exercise has huge health benefits and it has been shown that adding just 30 minutes of walking to your daily routine can actually help to reduce risk of heart disease and stroke. We pay money into our pensions to ensure us a financially comfortable retirement, surely we should be paying into our “health pensions” to ensure it is also physically comfortable.
What value could walking add to your life?
Walking is a hugely beneficial form of exercise and health benefits can include;
· Burning Calories
· Strengthening the immune system
· Feeling more energetic
· Reducing body fat
· Boost your metabolism
· Lower blood pressure
· Boost general well being
How can you reach your daily 10,000 step target?
· Walk to the shops
· Walk the dog
· Walk to work or get off the bus a few stops early
· Take a walk in your lunch break
· Arrange to meet friends for a walk
· Take part in a charity walk
So go and get your best trainers or walking shoes on now and get walking. You will be surprised at the short term weight loss benefits and the long term health benefits will pay dividends. Women’s sandals can also be worn for walking. Best of all, it’s free!