Walking Weight Loss Programs: Learn More!

• Establishing a walking weight loss program can help you drop pounds and become healthier
• Starting off slowly and working up to a goal of 30 minutes per day 5 days a week is a good idea
• Stay hydrated and make sure to stretch before starting your walk

You already know that if you want to lose weight you have to become more active. The good news is that doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym to lift weights or invest in thousands of dollars in home exercise equipment. One of the best exercises you can do is right outside your front door. Getting started with a walking weight loss program is the best way for you to increase your activity level easily.

Knowing Your Limits

Most of us don’t walk as much as we think. That’s why it might surprise us how little stamina we actually have. Because you don’t want to overdo your walking weight loss efforts and end up hurting yourself physically, you need to start your routine gradually. For example, if you are very inactive right now, start by walking for ten minutes then returning home. Ask yourself honestly how you handled the walk. If the walk went well, add another five minutes to your time. If it did not, keep walking for ten minutes every day for a week then increase the time. You want to shoot for 30 minutes of walking per day at least five days a week.

Developing Your Full Routine

While walking is the main part of your exercise routine, you should add a warm-up and cool down as well. Some research suggests doing some stretching beforehand can be a good idea, too. That way you’ll have the blood flowing to those major muscle groups before you head out and may be less likely to hurt your muscles.

Also make sure to bring along some water so you can enjoy it during the walk. You don’t want to get dehydrated. Always drink some water before and after your walking weight loss program routine.

Remember that even if you have a hectic schedule, you can find time to add walking to your life. For example, you could walk during your lunch break, in the morning before getting ready for work, in the afternoon after returning from work, or as part of your morning commute (park about 15 minutes from your office so you get 30 minutes in per day).

If nothing else, buy a dog and make a commitment to walk him at least 30 minutes per day. While you’re bonding and enjoying the neighborhood together, you’ll also be losing weight.

Benefits of Walking

Not only is walking a good aerobic exercise, as long as you’re walking fast enough to reach your target heart rate, but it has other benefits according to research. People who walk regularly were found to have a lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and to strengthen the heart which can prevent cardiovascular disease. If you are prone to depression, walking is one of the best ways to keep those feelings at bay. Being outdoors and soaking in the sunlight can help perk you up but remember that walking – like other physical activities – can release endorphins into your system which give you a natural high.

Walking is also a great first step to other types of fitness programs, including running, biking, swimming, sports, and more.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.