Walking for Weight Loss
Posted: Jan 22 in Weight Loss Blog by Staff
Are you trying to be more active and fit? Do you want to exercise more in order to lose weight? Walking is a great way to ease into a more active lifestyle and drop excess pounds.
What Are the Benefits of Walking?
Walking is, of course, something you already know how to do. But just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it isn’t effective at improving your health. Walking, like any other type of physical activity, provides several health benefits.
Six Things Walking Does for Your Health:
- Lowers “bad” cholesterol (LDL)
- Raises “good” cholesterol (HDL)
- Reduces risk of type 2 diabetes
- Lowers blood pressure
- Helps manage weight
- Improves mood
Starting a Walking Program
Before you start walking, prepare yourself by purchasing a good pair of walking shoes. Look for shoes designed specifically for walkers that include a flat heel and raised toe. Properly fitted walking shoes can help prevent injuries and discomfort.
You’ll also want to wear clothes that are loose-fitting and comfortable. If you plan to do most of your walking outside, wear layers to adjust to changing temperatures and bright-colored clothing to make yourself visible to motorists.
As with any exercise, it’s important that you warm up and stretch before walking and then cool down after your workout; although walking is a natural exercise, you want to take care of the muscles you’re working.