Not only is walking great for endurance and strength, it also helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure. So while we are trimming the waistline, we are also helping improve our health in these important areas.
You don't have to walk every day for this benefit--3-5 times per week will do it. Remember the guideline of brisk walking (you still want to be able to talk) and try some interval training by putting in short bursts.
In addition to all this, walking releases endorphins so you feel good, too.
Weight reduction, gaining in strength, lower cholesterol and blood pressure--and the feel good hormones, too? Now, who doesn't like that prognosis!
Showing posts with label interval training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interval training. Show all posts
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Walking for Weight Loss, Part 3: Why is walking good exercise
No matter what condition you are in, walking is a great form of exercise.
The costs are pretty minimal--be sure to invest in a good pair of shoes that fit your feet. That's about it. Well, other clothes are a plus, too!
When I was almost 300 pounds, walking was a lot more difficult for me. Now, at under 200 pounds I move around a lot more easily. But it all started with one foot and then the other.
Walking allows us to adjust our pace and distance based on our physical abilities. Being obese when I started walking, sometimes I couldn't make it very far. So I decided to take short walks around the block. A very short block.
I built up to several short walks a day. Still, very short. Then I noticed I could get the walk done a little faster. And I wasn't so tired.
It didn't take too long and I was able to go further. Now I really enjoy longer walks--but if time is getting short then I revert to the quick walk around the block.
Getting in better shape I can adapt my walking speed, carry weights and mix in some quick steps. For now a minute of quick walking at a time is good for me--a quick little sprint walk. Later I'll be able to do maybe 3 minutes of sprint walking. Sprinkled in with the longer walk.
The fancy term for this is interval training. Don't get too carried away with it, the goal is short spurts. It helps keep the body guessing!
The costs are pretty minimal--be sure to invest in a good pair of shoes that fit your feet. That's about it. Well, other clothes are a plus, too!
When I was almost 300 pounds, walking was a lot more difficult for me. Now, at under 200 pounds I move around a lot more easily. But it all started with one foot and then the other.
Walking allows us to adjust our pace and distance based on our physical abilities. Being obese when I started walking, sometimes I couldn't make it very far. So I decided to take short walks around the block. A very short block.
I built up to several short walks a day. Still, very short. Then I noticed I could get the walk done a little faster. And I wasn't so tired.
It didn't take too long and I was able to go further. Now I really enjoy longer walks--but if time is getting short then I revert to the quick walk around the block.
Getting in better shape I can adapt my walking speed, carry weights and mix in some quick steps. For now a minute of quick walking at a time is good for me--a quick little sprint walk. Later I'll be able to do maybe 3 minutes of sprint walking. Sprinkled in with the longer walk.
The fancy term for this is interval training. Don't get too carried away with it, the goal is short spurts. It helps keep the body guessing!
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