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People take for granted that a simple activity that they do out of necessity from day to day is actually one of the most effective ways to lose weight.
The simple activity of walking can help with weight loss, especially extreme weight loss of over fifty pounds.
The best part about walking is that almost anyone can do it.
However, many people have trouble committing to a walking schedule, either because they think they don’t have the time, or because they think that walking is boring.
Following these simple tips can help you ease into a healthy lifestyle.
See your doctor. Although walking is an activity for almost everyone, it is best to see a physician before starting any physical routine. The doctor will be able to tell you if there are any risk factors involved in starting your routine and pinpoint any limitations that you may have. In addition, the doctor’s office can monitor other important levels, such as your starting weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Dress for success. Don’t underestimate the power of a proper uniform for exercising. For walking, you can use a simple cotton shirt and some comfortably fitting pants that allow your skin to breathe. Yoga pants or athletic sweat pants are great items for walking because they are fabrics that absorb moisture, keeping it away from your body. You also need a good undergarments for support. For men, support can be something as simple as boxer briefs or as professional as a cup or a strap. For women, , sports bras are recommended for doing any type of exercise, even walking. Like outerwear, many sports bras offer sweat-absorbing material that keeps you from feeling wet during your workout. Finally, invest in a good pair of athletic shoes, making sure to select a half size larger than your normal footwear to accommodate the swelling that your feet do during a workout.
Start small. You don’t have to the distance of a marathon starting off. By just adding ten minutes to your walking routine day, you can work your way up to a gratifying workout. Also when walking, keep the pace brisk, but listen to your body. The adage of no pain no gain is not true for walking. Try not to mistake pain for the healthy burn of muscles. If you start to feel dizzy or weak, stop.
Track your progress. The easiest way to know exactly how much you are accomplishing is to keep a fitness journal. You can do this with pen and paper, or you can keep track of it online. Many newer model cell phones come equipped with fitness trackers. You can also purchase an activity tracker wristband from several athletic retailers that automatically keeps track of your steps, calorie burned, and heart rate.
The key to any exercise is to stay consistent. Pounds won’t melt off instantaneously when you walk, but with hard work and time, you will see results. While you walk, you will be also increasing other benefits, such as increased stamina, better blood circulation, and lower stress levels. All of these contribute to your overall health. For more about ways to incorporate more walking into your daily routine, visit this website.
