| Walking is one of the easiest and cheapest ways | | | | same time. You may eventually find you want to |
| to get fit and stay fit. You just need good walking | | | | participate in walking marathons, race walking or |
| shoes and time. If you're trying to stay in shape, | | | | other events. There are many charities that put |
| target 6000 steps a day and to lose weight you | | | | on fund raising walks that are a great way to |
| need to take 10,000 steps a day. This sounds like | | | | support a favorite cause as well as get out for |
| a lot, but when you add up the walking you during | | | | some exercise and a good walk. |
| the normal course of the day and add a walk at | | | | You should also consider adding some other |
| the start or end of the day, you'll find the steps | | | | activities to your fitness routine in addition to |
| add up really fast. | | | | walking. This will help improve your fitness level as |
| If you're just starting a walking routine, start slow | | | | well as use different muscle groups. This can |
| with just 10-15 minutes and back. If that is easy, | | | | result in even better walking workouts. You can |
| then start increasing the time by 5 minutes each | | | | supplement walking with cycling, yoga, Pilates and |
| time you go out for a walk. Eventually you want | | | | other activities. If you walk outside most of the |
| to walk 5 days a week at a pace that reaches | | | | time and the weather is bad, you'll have other |
| your target heart rate. For general fitness, you | | | | indoor activities that you can turn to and not miss |
| need to walk 20-30 minutes. Increase that to | | | | a workout. Another benefit to adding additional |
| 45-60 minutes a day to lose weight. Also make | | | | exercise programs is that you won't get bored |
| sure you stretch and start at a slow pace to | | | | with walking alone. |
| warm up. End your walk with a slow pace and | | | | Before you start any workout program, talk to |
| more stretching. | | | | your doctor if you have any medical conditions or |
| Believe it or not, there are actually many groups | | | | you're concerned about your current health. Once |
| and walking clubs. Do a search online to see if | | | | you have clearance from him or her, start with |
| there's one in your area. This is a great way to | | | | slow, short sessions and build up from there. |
| stay motivated and meet new people at the | | | | |