Losing weight is tough, and it doesn’t work the same way for everyone. Some people lose more weight dieting, some through exercise, and many of us need a combination of both to see the scale make any movement at all.
With the new year upon us, more and more people are looking for ways to increase their fitness, and walking is a great way to start. It’s easy and it’s free!
Maybe you want to work your way up to a more strenuous workout – or maybe that sounds like the last thing you want to do, and getting in more walking time is your main goal. Either way, you’ll find some tips for walking off the weight below.
Of course, if you have health problems or injuries, you should always check with your doctor to see what level of activity is right for you, but many of us can get our steps in without causing harm.
Fill spare moments with movement
There are lots of reasons to stand up and walk around during the day. Remaining sedentary for hours at a time can wreak havoc on your heart health and weight.
Get in as many good habits as possible by taking mini-breaks every half hour or so. Use this time to stand up, stretch, walk around, and get your eyes off the computer screen. Your waistline and your eyeballs will thank you!
If you don’t have space to walk around (or your boss will wonder why you’re always up and around) try marching in place for just a few minutes to get the blood flowing. If your supervisor complains, just remind them that your good health will save them money on health insurance in the long-run!
Use the mornings for motivation
It’s hard to get up earlier than we already do, but successful people swear by watching the sunrise.
If you’re able, try getting up just a half hour earlier for a few days and use the time to walk around the block or around the yard. You don’t need any fancy equipment, though you may need some extra layers in colder temperatures. But think of how energized you’ll be when it’s time to start your day.
(And walking in the cold can even help burn extra calories!)
Warm-up with a walk
If you’re already working out at some level, try adding a walk as a warm-up to the rest of your routine.
Walking really is great medicine and can provide cardiovascular and even mental health benefits that other forms of exercise don’t.
Set aside 30 minutes for maximum benefit
If you’re just starting to work out and have work and childcare and other tasks to think about, 30 minutes might seem like a big time commitment. But walking really is a form of self-care that can do far more for your body and mind than a Netflix binge.
If the only time you have to walk is at night, invest in a fold-up treadmill or saunter around your house. While fresh air is normally best and comes with the added benefits that come from spending time in nature, you don’t have to give up before you start just because you can’t create the ideal situation.
Experts agree that it takes 30 minutes to get maximum benefits from your new walking routine. But if you can find a great playlist, an audiobook, or a good meditation app, you’ll be reaping more benefits than you ever imagined.
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