I’m always looking for ways to keep walking fun, at the same time as walking to lose weight. I want to be constantly enjoying both the activity itself and the anticipation of doing it. Occasionally adding in a special event centred on walking is a great way to boost your enthusiasm. Something like a visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney, is a spectacular day out and an invigorating (read weight loss inducing) activity. Taronga is sooo hilly!
Now (late winter in Australia) is a good time to go- the weather is sunny but a bit cool making that big hill quite enticing. After arriving at the wharf by ferry you start the walk from the bottom. (Do not take the cable car!) This means that you walk vigorously to the top and leave the enjoyment of the spectacular harbour views and animal shenanigans to a more leisurely walk down. Believe me it is the most amazing place for a stimulating walk.
I read in the Georgian Talk Gwinnett! ( http://tiny.cc/walk602) that locals have requested their zoo institute a walking to lose weight program as a way to routine walk in a safe environment. I agree- whether you’re a regular zoo walker or use it once to boost your weight loss, you will love this way of burning off calories.
In particular I like 2 things they have to say. One is their first suggested priority and the second is their last tip for walking to lose weight.
1. ” Shoes. This is the most important factor of walking. Comfortable sneakers with sox (or footies) are the rule. Skip the exercise sandals, flip flops, and anything else that does not securely fasten to your feet.”
Although this is supremely true for zoo walking it is also a basic for any person wanting to walk reasonable distances.
An excuse often given for not walking is that it is too hard because it hurts some part of your body, the surface is uncomfortable (whether gravel, rutted road or numerous other variants) etc.
You will only successfully walk your way to a fabulous life if you have suitable shoes for walking. This means ones that suit your foot. They may not be “walking” shoes. And they need to be suitable for the surface you are likely to be walking on. Learning to love this way of exercising means setting yourself up for enjoyment. Along the way this requires some equipment. For instance, i need a sun hat for some times of the year.
In an article by Vicki Conwell (http://tiny.cc/walk621), she quotes a specialist podiatrist in sports-related injuries who advises that because each person’s feet (and each foot) is different, and it is not known what the best conditions are for walking, for instance soft surfaces or hard, the best choice of shoe is very individual.
This does not mean expensive or personally designed shoes, more like a process of try it and see. I know that I like different shoes in summer to winter, rain to dry, but these are not all exercise shoes i.e.runners or joggers etc. for instance, I love the lightweight, flexible, really cool fashion sport shoe I wear both for walking and to go out.
I have copied this list from the Royal Adelaide Hospital Centre for Physical Activity (http://www.cpaa.sa.gov.au/benefits_exercise/walking.html) on what to check for when choosing footwear for walking.
* Shoes with a tough outer layer of rubber and a soft mid- sole that runs the full length of the sole;
* Uppers of high quality, breathable material, such as leather and/or nylon mesh;
* Lace up shoes are preferable;
* Comfortable padded heel collar;
* Firm heel counter (that cups the heel) to give stability for the entire foot and leg;
* Substantial arch supports;
* Entire shoe should be designed to absorb shock;
* Well fitting toe box;
* Heel should be held in shoe, well cushioned and supported somewhat higher than the rest of the foot;
* A sole designed specifically to enhance smooth heel-to-toe motion;
* The toe box should allow ample room and toes should not be tight against any part of the shoe;
* Remember to wear cotton or woolen socks.
And back to the zoo’s suggestions.
2. Consider walking in bad weather.
I like this because it is important to keep the decision about whether we walk today in our own hands and not see ourselves at the mercy of the weather. I will write more about this another time, however. A walking for weight loss dvd may be a better alternative for you.
Happy walking!
