Why Walking To Lose Weight Is Such A Good Idea

If you are one of the many people who would like to lose a few pounds and get into better shape, then it really is quite simple (and achievable). In order to lose weight you must consume fewer calories by eating and drinking than you burn off as a result of physical activity. If you consistently burn off more calories than you consume over a period of time then you will lose weight. There is no magic pill or diet supplement that will alter that simple fact.

So if you are after weight loss then you can eat and drink less (diet), use up more calories (exercise) – or both. Doing both is very definitely the most effective solution. Regular physical exercise will actually raise your metabolic rate – the rate at which you burn calories. If you take exercise on a regular and consistent basis then your increased metabolic rate will mean that you burn off calories more quickly even when you’re not taking exercise – for example, when you’re typing on your computer, sitting watching the TV – even when you’re sleeping.

Unfortunately, for many people the very idea of taking exercise can be off-putting – but there’s absolutely no reason to shy away from exercise – it doesn’t need you to get all hot and sweaty. Walking is one of the very best forms of exercise that you can take part in, and it’s something which the majority of us do on a daily basis anyway. You just need to walk a little further and a little more often in order to reap the rewards – and there are numerous health benefits available to those who walk on a regular and consistent basis.

According to many medical sources we should all be trying to walk for 10,000 steps each day. For most people that approximates to a distance of somewhere between four and a half and five miles. It does sound like a fair old distance – but it’s a lot easier to accomplish than you might think. Remember – the 10,000 steps target is the total distance, which includes the normal walking that you do as you go about your daily business anyway. You already have a base to build upon.

Walk to work or the shops instead of taking the car – or get off the bus one or two stops early and complete the last leg of your journey by walking. If you do take the car then park it in a corner of the parking lot that’s well away from the entrance so that you have further to walk. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Take a fifteen minute walk at lunch time. It soon adds up.

No special equipment is needed – all you require is a pair of comfortable shoes and you’re all set. 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 to keep your motivation high.

An mp3 player might be a good idea if you don’t already have one. When you’re walking along listening to your favorite music the miles and the time will simply fly by.

Finally, you might want to look at how some of the latest exercise shoes – such as Reebok Easy Tones, Skecher’s Shape Ups or Fitflops – can help to boost the efficiency of your walking to lose weight fitness regime. All of these claim to increase the amount of work which you do during normal walking activity – which increases the return on your investment of time and energy.