Lose Weight, Burn Fat with a Complete In-Home Walking Workout

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Posted by admin | Posted in General | Posted on 03-11-2009

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There are so many benefits to walking. First and foremost, it’s plain good exercise that almost anyone can do. A good pair of walking shoes and appropriate clothing is all you need. Grab a friend or listen to your iPod, and you’re good to go.

Walking can become a bit more challenging as the season start to change. Wet, cold, slippery wet leaves or icy sidewalks can compromise your safety. You can bring your walking indoors right in the comfort of your own home.

I’m sure you’re wondering, “How?” because I was wondering the same thing. Walking expert Leslie Sansone “Walk Away the Pounds 5 Mile Advanced Walk” DVD show exactly how you can get the most out of your walking workout. These advanced walking programs are filled with upbeat music that are geared to help you lose weight, build strength and tone your body.

There are four basic walking movements walking on the spot, kicks, knee lift and side-step. In this particular DVD, it includes walk boosters that help you burn more fat and calories. Included are a walk belt, two pound hand weights and a firming band. The five miles comprises of three miles using the boosters, while the other two miles are quick miles without the boosters. The program is completely flexible so working with or without the boosters, you’re still achieving an effective workout. Of course, diet plays an important part and Leslie provides a 7 day weight loss meal plan.

What I like about the walk boosters, you can use each one independently. I found the miles that use the boosters were not used nearly enough. It’s nice to have the waist belt, firming band or hand weights to use on other days or used in addition to another exercise program. When the weather is nice, carry your hand wieghts for a brisk walk to burn more calories.

You can really tailor this walking workout to your fitness level. For instance, exaggerating a side-step by stepping out wider and sitting into it involves using larger muscle groups therefore working your buttocks, the front and back of your thighs and your hamstring. Walking on the spot can easily become jogging on the spot. There’s no right or wrong way and as long as you keep to the beat of the music, you’re getting a good workout.

Whether you walk with or without the boosters, indoors or outdoors, walk three miles or five miles you can achieve a heart-healthy walking workout that will enable you to lose weight, burn fat and lead a long and healthy life.

**Please note: Before taking up any fitness program, consult with your doctor first.

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Walking For Weight Loss-How To Lose Body Fat By Walking

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Posted by admin | Posted in Weight Loss | Posted on 02-09-2009

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Can walking help you lose weight? Yes, it can. Walking at a moderate pace for about 30 minutes to an hour everyday can help your body burn stored fat and calories. In order for walking for weight loss to be effective, you need to follow a program that is designed around your needs. You also need to know how long and how often you should walk and at what speed. You also need some kind of method to track your activity and progress.

Calories and Weight Loss

Walking for weight loss works best if you increase your activity and eat fewer calories each day. When walking to lose weight, it is best to increase the distance before working on increasing your speed. You burn more calories per mile at low speeds so build up to walk longer distances. Also, you can burn even more calories by building up muscle. Walking for weight loss can build up muscle which will help to speed up your metabolism. This muscle will burn up extra calories.

How often should you walk?

To lose weight and keep it off, you have to keep moving. So you should set up a regular routine. Walking is easy to do since you don’t need any special equipment. You can get started right away. Most health experts recommend that you walk most days of the week for effective weight loss. You can start by walking for 5-10 minutes each day gradually increasing to 30-60 minutes at 50-70% of your maximum heart rate. A good target is 5-10 hours of walking per week. Plan to do some strength training exercises on days when you’re not walking to help build muscle. When walking for weight loss, don’t take more than 1 to 2 days off a week.

How fast should you walk?

When walking for weight loss each day, you should first walk at an easy warm-up pace for about 5-10 minutes. To achieve better results, build up both speed as well as duration. Walk at a fast pace but not so fast that you cannot carry on a conversation in full sentences. Walking with race-walk style is recommended if you’re already walking for 20 or more miles a week.

Tracking your Progress with Walking for weight loss

You will need a system of tracking your progress. You can measure progress by weight or by inches. You can use a journal or logs to record your progress. There are also other tools that you can use such as calorie calculators.

In order to make walking for weight loss a success, set clear and realistic goals for yourself and stick to a schedule so that walking becomes a habit. Monitor your progress and reward yourself for success. Join a walking club or find a friend to walk with.

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