| Walking is an enjoyable and highly effective way | | | | 4. Change your pace. For the most efficient |
| to lose weight. The key to an effective weight | | | | calorie burning, alternate between a few minutes |
| loss plan is to be motivated, to actually want to | | | | of slow walking and a few minutes of fast |
| participate in the activities. Walking can be done | | | | walking. This method revs up your metabolism, |
| indoors or outdoors, in all types of weather, all | | | | which will lead to more weight loss. |
| year round, on your schedule. | | | | 5. Take the time cool down and stretch |
| The following will help you develop a weight loss | | | | afterwards. No matter how slowly you've walked |
| plan that incorporates walking in a way that will | | | | or how little time you spent on the trail, you still |
| provide you the most benefit and enjoyment. As | | | | need to stretch your muscles to avoid injury. |
| with any exercise or weight loss plan, check with | | | | 6. Drink lots of water while walking and after you |
| your doctor first if you have any concerns about | | | | are done. Even if your walk was a short, slow |
| being healthy enough to participate. | | | | one, you still need to keep hydrated. Water also |
| 1. Map out walking trails close to your home or | | | | helps in your weight loss efforts! Combined with |
| work. Convenience is important to maintain your | | | | an effective walking program, drinking water can |
| motivation. | | | | contribute to significant weight loss! |
| 2. Determine a convenient location for indoor | | | | 7. Walk 4-5 times a week. 30 minutes walks are |
| walking in case the weather turns bad. Most malls | | | | ideal, but even if you only have time for a few |
| welcome walkers and many even open their | | | | 10-minute walks, those will also help in your weight |
| doors before the stores open to provide an | | | | loss. Movement is key - regardless of how fast or |
| indoor walking "track." | | | | slow, and how much or how little. |
| 3. Start slowly and work your way up. If you | | | | The most important step in the process is to get |
| have not walked in a while, you should start with | | | | up and get moving - and walk it off! Weight loss |
| a slow pace and walk for 15-20 minutes at a time. | | | | does not have to be a chore, particularly when it |
| Build up your walking time as you build up your | | | | involves as pleasant an activity as walking. |
| strength and stamina. | | | | |