Walking To Lose Weight

Walking to lose weight can be a group activity or a social bonding opportunity but that does restrict your options when busy. Of course it is not an either/or situation and one of the beauties of walking as a weight loss lifestyle option is its versatility. It can be social or competitive, intense or leisurely.

Generally it can be undertaken spontaneously so it lends itself very well to an ongoing campaign for health and weight loss. It has been found that men respond well to the use of pedometers which can add an element of challenge to walking to lose weight. The daily step total becomes a target to beat. Even young boys given pedometers have been found to respond positively to this aspect.

An active commute program where participants walked or cycled to work had a positive response from men and the average  five miles distance to their employer’s premises was effective exercise. But not so for the women involved.

Women use the pedometer and daily 10,000 steps often, from what I have seen on the many walking to lose weight forums etc., but respond differently to the use of these tools. It is another task to be done but does not have as much incentive. Initially walking as a social opportunity often appeals to women and this can be very attractive and effective as an incentive to walk more often particularly daily.

Busy lives require organisation and a social obligation can be a significant influence in performance. Frequently on a weekend walk I am delighted to see many walkers taking a scenic route which I do myself if I can. Lots of people are fitness walkers which can be determined by the demeanor and pace.

This is one of the reasons walking for weight loss alone can be the best way to go. You are in control of the intended duration, speed and location. The lifestyle change needs to be under your control. Doing it alone enables that more easily. It can’t be postponed or canceled as with a social commitment. Over time, walking for weight loss becomes a vehicle for other opportunities such as group walks and family entertainment. As you become more involved in doing it, find the best routes, fun alternatives, get results and look good, others may want to join in.

Build a list of favourite walks. Don’t be afraid to try new ideas and if in the end, they’re not for you, so what?

Often in a busy day the time to go for a walk can be flexible when you only have yourself to consider.

Even though ongoing walking for weight loss success is probably better as an independent activity there are many ways walking with others is a great way to keep a fitness or weight loss program fun and motivating. Family walks, walking to the restaurant, golf, etc.

A pedometer is a great personal tool which enables self responsibility for effective weight loss through walking. It has been the biggest asset on my weight loss journey since I started using it routinely in September 2008.

An advantage of counting steps is the ability to see how the day is going. Although I like to use a weekly count, on a given day if I have been at my desk without moving for several hours, it is quite possible to do only 3,000 steps. This rarely happens any more now that I wear a pedometer and know how to bring up the steps. On those occasions though, doing a little bit more around the house is not likely to have much effect on the exercise level for the day, so a long walk is mandatory.

This is something I can do with pleasure because I know that the time is not wasted. Listening to work related podcasts or inspirational information. Planning. Take the quiet time for reflection. Consciously review with a broader perspective not possible during the detail of day to day. Think out an issue.

A one hour walk is about 6,000 steps. On the other hand an easier option when working from home is to do a Walk Away the Pounds DVD. The 3 miles session takes 48 minutes and is 5,500 steps. Of course it is a lot harder than taking a walk because of the arm and leg movements and use of the weights, however ignore these and it is good brisk walk.

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These walking to lose weight tips will ensure you walk away with benefits from your own business and weight loss without the “hangover” effect of tiredness in your working day.

At one point closeted away with a bunch of strangers in a cold room, coughs and sneezes and general close proximity made me think of my good health and how much easier it is to have control over this aspect of my well being now I exercise and eat well, and have flexibility around work and rest.

Some of the reasons for working for myself are:

1. I can set my own agenda;
2. I can build a lifestyle which allows a balance between my work and other life;
3. I can love what I am achieving;
4. I can love my work environment.

Walking to lose weight is a blog about taking advantage of the well being associated with moderate exercise- the natural high, good health, agility, vigour- to build a lifestyle which successfully supports continued control over my weight issues. While starting my on business, and because of this, I have been able to make as significant change as possible, to my lifestyle.

How to succeed at weight loss while maximising your business success:

1. Choose where you will put your focus for both weight loss and exercise. My suggestion- walking to lose weight!
2. Avoid overwhelm- pace yourself. The advantage of walking to lose weight.
3. Eat half as much for your meals and add in healthy snacks during the day.
4. Use walking “tools” and the Internet as a gatekeeper and to keep motivated.

The various contradictions from a few days locked away with others in an attempt to focus positively on business tactics and motivation, are in some ways easier when you work for yourself. For one thing, you are focused about your purpose and the goals you want to achieve. Usually you also want to ensure you get value from your attendance. Working in my own small business from home, gives me different responsibilities, when thinking about aspects of my lifestyle and business.

1. Talk carefully. Use a positive community for support, avoid complainers!
2. Carry water and pack a snack when you’re out working, particularly on long drives.

Success is transferable. Each triumph over a detail or problem or creative thought brought to fruition is a generating engine for success in other ways. So frustration in business is offset by walking daily or counting calories successfully. The goal of weight loss or health, contributes to my resilience as I note further evidence of positive results on my checklist. This doesn’t substitute for business success but works synergistically.

Working within a corporate environment is a whole different mindset than working for yourself. One way this is demonstrated is the introduction of quality health programs such as weight loss assistance or the treadmill desk phenomena. Employee well being is becoming an important business tool.

What adds to your bottom line while taking away the fat?

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The story of this 78 year old nun who leads an extremely active lifestyle, makes me aware of the standard of well being which is acceptable for most people at 78. And it ’s not a high level of activity. Often health is an issue, particularly aggravated by over weight and “aging” body dysfunctions. Walking to lose weight is ideal for the older person needing to lose weight, although it may require starting very slowly, and with assistance.

Over a life many of us consider the older we get the better off we will be if we decrease activity. It’s easier to get others to do the running about, and each neglected body part becomes more achy.

Generally speaking, as we age, we don’t feel older, until our bodies start feeling that way. If then we connect the two and decide that we are old because our body doesn’t work like it used to, or vice versa, we are accepting a convenient myth. It’s convenient because it saves looking for another answer but it is not an answer that I like.

It seems obvious to me that as this first generation of long lifers enjoy an unprecedented aged lifestyle, those of us coming along behind will learn from them and make the changes necessary to enjoy excellent health into our longer lives. Until we saw, en masse, the results of years of neglect of physical and mental well being, we did not make a decision to take responsibility for this side of our lives.

Madonna Buder

Previous generations enjoyed the concept of having younger generations take on the physical “burdens” of life for us, and this was seen as a reward, a respect for all that that person had contributed throughout their life. In part because the baby boomer generation is much larger in relative numbers than older generations previously, and because we demand or expect more from our lives, we want better than a slow decline.
Nun, Madonna Buder, is now 78, but is 75 year old in this photo, after winning a triathalon.

“At the age of 47, a priest suggested she try running for spiritual enrichment. At 52 she added swimming and cycling, and she hasn’t looked back since.”

Yes, she is exceptional. For right now.

A 52 year old plastic surgeon does extensive gym work for both personal health benefits and to look good. His training program is “like that of a 25-year-old who’s into bodybuilding.” Body building proponents often look exceptional into old age.

Walking to lose weight is not in this league. This is a good thing because walking is easier and the benefits add enormously to the functionality of a life, especially putting fun back into physical activity. Weight loss and physical activity, separately and combined, have significant health benefits.

Everyone has to start. Walking is a fun, easy and age-appropriate, weight bearing exercise.

Using a pedometer is great way to assess the amount of steps a person normally does. Increase by 10% each day, if possible. For some a walker or other support device may be necessary. Local shopping centres often arrange special walking times for the disabled or frail, which means they use the air conditioned environment at times when others aren’t there. Usually a health worker or volunteer will assist, if necessary.

At home, use a walking DVD. They are “adjustable” and can be used for company initially until you are comfortable doing the more vigorous movements. Always modify to your level. Start with 10 minutes of the program and see how your body responds. Add to your walking as you improve in stamina. Leslie Sansone has some suitable titles although the ones I am recommending are designed for who can do at least 3,000 steps a day, and still be comfortable.

Be part of the walking to lose weight revolution!

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When you think about it sometimes doing virtual walking to lose weight can be much easier than the real thing. All the hassles about the weather on the day, how to get there, who else is doing it, will it be too hard, too easy, does it cost too much, who will I know?

The object of the virtual exercise is to remember that the Walking to Lose Weight approach is about creating an ongoing easy lifestyle which supports you and your ideal weight or size. Walking to lose weight, calorie burning, high energy exercise, counting steps, are all components of a weight loss regimen – combined they become a part of the lifestyle which keeps you at your new everyday lighter size. Making this easy means making this fun and rewarding, for all time.

These virtual exercises are designed to push your exercise and walking to lose weight program and make it more interesting by offering some alternative ways to include walking and weight loss into your life. As you do the virtual exercise, check out the videos and information on the events included, you are opened to more and different places and ways to enjoy yourself. This is really feeling on top of the process of walking for weight loss as you begin to see how it can become a pleasurable part of your life, and if you wish, can include friends or family, holidays, social events.

It can be fun to participate in organised events. The virtual process though is more about creating and organising your own events which satisfy your requirements and are also effective walking and weight loss exercise. Expose yourself to the opportunities involved in using your imagination to make this an inclusive lifestyle. This is a fun way of resolving to never have fitness or weight problems ever again!

Training:

Set a target of additional exercises such as stair climbing or jogging indoors to simulate sand walking. Indoor activities can get away from heat or cold, and other, issues.

Virtual Walking: Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan

This will be 3.5 miles and tough because it is in sand. But worth it! This video will give you an idea of what you will experience as you climb.

Today’s the day for your virtual trek, to push yourself once again using both your body and imagination by participating with Walking to Lose Weight in this adventurous exercise. We’re climbing Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan. Get ready, dress appropriately. You’ll need good shoes, take a couple of water bottles, a sense of humour and go…

Oh and sleeping – as previously posted, sleeping well has a positive influence on weight loss. Walking makes sleeping easier as well!

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