It's tragic, but obesity in this country is creeping up at an alarming rate. There are a multitude of different training programs and strategies and, unfortunately, just as many trendy, "what's hot now" type of diet programs. Which one do I choose? What do I eat? How many times should I go to the gym? How do I use that machine? The list goes on and on.
Where's the best place to start? Why not start with walking?
Years ago I scoffed at the idea that walking could be even considered exercise or even potentially have health benefits. I assumed that to derive any benefits it had to be a near Herculean effort. How wrong I was.
Walking is something that virtually anyone can do. It requires little to no equipment (perhaps a decent set of athletic shoes) and is pleasant. There is something fun and enjoyable about going outside, getting some fresh air, and enjoying the scenery. This aspect alone makes exercising a more enjoyable experience. The key to doing any type of exercise - and sticking with it - is to make it pleasurable. Don't enjoy the exercise you're currently doing? Guess what: you're not going to stick with it.
On average, walking a mile burns 100 calories. You can easily cover a mile within twenty minutes of walking at a very comforable pace (2 to 3 mph). If you do this every day for a year you'll have burned off the equivalent of 36,500 calories. That equates to nearly 10.5 lbs of body fat! Not a big deal you say? Ten pounds of fat added or lost makes a significant difference in how a person looks and feels. All of these results can be achieved just by taking a brief walk for thirty minutes a day.
The important thing to remember is that exercise doesn't have to be a high-intensity session. It can be something as comfortable as just taking a daily stroll or taking the dog for a walk. Try to get in at least thirty minutes of walking a day and do it consistently. Make it fun. Get an MP3 player and listen to your favorite music or listen to an audiobook. Get some light handweights and do some very basic exercises while you walk or just take the time to reflect on things and focus on upcoming goals or problem solving. Just make it fun...and you'll be ten pounds lighter by this time next year.
Where's the best place to start? Why not start with walking?
Years ago I scoffed at the idea that walking could be even considered exercise or even potentially have health benefits. I assumed that to derive any benefits it had to be a near Herculean effort. How wrong I was.
Walking is something that virtually anyone can do. It requires little to no equipment (perhaps a decent set of athletic shoes) and is pleasant. There is something fun and enjoyable about going outside, getting some fresh air, and enjoying the scenery. This aspect alone makes exercising a more enjoyable experience. The key to doing any type of exercise - and sticking with it - is to make it pleasurable. Don't enjoy the exercise you're currently doing? Guess what: you're not going to stick with it.
On average, walking a mile burns 100 calories. You can easily cover a mile within twenty minutes of walking at a very comforable pace (2 to 3 mph). If you do this every day for a year you'll have burned off the equivalent of 36,500 calories. That equates to nearly 10.5 lbs of body fat! Not a big deal you say? Ten pounds of fat added or lost makes a significant difference in how a person looks and feels. All of these results can be achieved just by taking a brief walk for thirty minutes a day.
The important thing to remember is that exercise doesn't have to be a high-intensity session. It can be something as comfortable as just taking a daily stroll or taking the dog for a walk. Try to get in at least thirty minutes of walking a day and do it consistently. Make it fun. Get an MP3 player and listen to your favorite music or listen to an audiobook. Get some light handweights and do some very basic exercises while you walk or just take the time to reflect on things and focus on upcoming goals or problem solving. Just make it fun...and you'll be ten pounds lighter by this time next year.
