It is a known fact that doing exercise helps you lose weight with any diet plan you may be on. For some, it may seem that exercise is a big chore and is not their favorite part of losing weight. But, let's face it. Exercise helps burn those calories and trims your body to a lean, mean sexy machine. So, if you are one of those people who hate to exercise, bite the bullet and move it. The rewards will speak for themselves.
One of the best exercises to help you lose weight is simply by walking. It isn't difficult to do-anyone can do it. You don't need a lot of equipment to get started, and it really doesn't have to cost you anything (unless you choose to use a treadmill).
Walking can be done anywhere. You can drive to a hiking trail and take in the beautiful nature around you, or you can walk around your neighborhood. You can even walk around the mall to get exercise (and get in some shopping at the same time). It doesn't matter where you walk. The thing is that walking is movement, and any movement can be considered exercise.
Here are a few tips to make your walking exercise easier:
1. Choose to walk at a set time each day, if possible. Making walking part of your morning routine, for example, will make exercising become part of your life. Then you will be more apt to continue your walking exercise program.
2. Walk in an enjoyable place. As mentioned, you can drive to a walking trail in the woods for a nature experience, or simply walk around the city you live in. You can examine the neighborhood gardens and architecture along the way. Or if a cold climate gets in the way of your walking, walk around your local mall. Walk at a fast pace for a few rounds, and then enjoy some shopping time.
3. Walk with a friend. Join up with a friend who also needs to lose weight or exercise and share the experience. You can gab and catch up on gossip while you both reap the benefits of your walk together.
4. Join a walking club. Many cities around the country are starting up walking clubs so that walkers do not have to go it alone. You can meet new people and get your exercise in at the same time.
5. Listen to music while you walk. Take your head-phones and walk to the beat of your favorites. An upbeat music score can help you increase the pace of your walk, helping you to get in more of a cardio workout.
6. You can also listen to books on tape as you walk. In this way, you can study or finish that great novel you don't have time for while you walk. You can get lots of titles on tape at your local library.
7. Take your dog for a walk with you. Let Fido get in the benefits of your walking exercise routine at the same time. Fido probably needs the exercise just as much as you do.
8. Change the pace of your walking at intervals. Walk quickly for 5 or 10 minutes, then slow down for 15 minutes or so, and then pick up the pace again. This can give you a better cardio workout and may help you alleviate any boredom.
9. Try including your walking exercise into your life in little ways. Park further from your work and walk those extra blocks. Park at the far end of the parking lot at shopping malls and walk a little further to shop. You don't have to walk for a long period of time all at once. Getting in extra walking in small sections can be just as valuable.
10. Walk with your kids. You can get in 'quality time' with your kids as you exercise. This can be a bonding experience that you can share with your kids. At the same time you will be teaching them to include exercise in their life as a healthy way to live.
Walking as exercise can help you lose weight. The walking motion moves most of the muscles in your body so it is a good way to exercise the 'whole you'. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get an exercise program into your life so that you can help your diet plan succeed.