| ENCOURAGE YOURSELF TO WALK | | | | level has improved, try including a few hills into your |
| EVERYWHERE. | | | | workout and use them as a fitness level marker and |
| * Try setting your alarm early and go for a walk | | | | see How much less effort is needed to reach the top. |
| before work. | | | | As you become more experienced with your walking |
| * Us the stairs instead of taking the lift. | | | | workout, you can then try power walking which |
| * End your bus journey a stop or two earlier, or better | | | | involves walking at a faster pace, whilst swinging your |
| still, walk to work. | | | | arms for even more of an aerobic exercise, but |
| * One hour after eating your main evening meal, dance | | | | always take care and listen to your body when it tells |
| or walk around the house. | | | | you to slow down. A brisk walk is best, but never over |
| * Walk up and down the stairs ten times per day. | | | | exert yourself as you will not find walking a pleasant |
| Before setting off for your walk, it's always wise to | | | | experience and will be tempted to give up before |
| prepare for any emergencies that may occur, by | | | | you've even started. |
| making a check list of things you need to do and take | | | | WHY WALKING IS BENEFICIAL TO WEIGHT LOSS. |
| with you. | | | | * It helps to burn off calories. |
| * Let someone know where you are and what time | | | | * It helps to strengthen the muscles in your legs. |
| you expect to return. | | | | * It lowers your blood pressure. |
| * Take a mobile phone. | | | | * It improves your circulation. |
| * Make sure that you know the area your in. | | | | * It boosts energy levels. |
| * Take a bottle of water. | | | | * It will tire you out and make you sleep better. |
| * Take comfortable footwear, (but don't forget the | | | | * It can help to maintain a steady weight. |
| plasters for any blister mishaps:-) | | | | * It helps to reduce body fat. |
| * Take waterproof clothing. | | | | * It boosts the metabolism. |
| * Make yourself visible by wearing bright, reflective | | | | * It will improve your breathing and stamina. |
| clothing. | | | | An all round win win situation for your health wouldn't |
| I know it may all sound like a lot of things to do and | | | | you agree? You can make walking a more |
| take, but better to be safe than sorry, besides, it | | | | pleasurable experience by changing your route, taking |
| sounds like more than it actually is as this would all fit | | | | an mp3 player with all your favorite music or even a |
| nicely into a small back pack, the weight of which will | | | | spoken book, or by taking a friend with you for |
| also help to burn off a few extra calories. Once you | | | | company. Happy Walking:-). |
| have started walking regularly and your overall fitness | | | | |