Walking for weightloss is more than just a daily walking routine in your neighborhood or on a treadmill. Rather, it is a way of life that keeps you active, burns calories, and helps you say no to over indulgence !
Below are some tried and true habits of people who have been successful in dropping the pounds and keeping it off ! Walking, Walking Everywhere.
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| Image Credit : livestrongcdn.com |
Try to
walk everyday even if you have only a few minutes. Be flexible in your schedule. If you planned a 45 minute walk and something came up then settle for a 15 or 20 minute walk and do your long walk another day.
Walk briskly but comfortably. You will want the energy and motivation to walk the next day.
There are three ways to burn extra calories: Walk faster, farther, and frequently. If you can't get all three then shoot for the last two. Alternate between your challenging walks and easy walks.
Keep a diary of everything you eat and every mile you walk to see what your strengths and weaknesses are. This will help you make the changes needed that are necessary for your success.
Whenever possible burn those extra calories, even if just a few because they all add up to weightloss. If you get stuck on a phone call don't just sit there, pace back and forth. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
If you live close to shopping, try walking on a day that you have light shopping planned.
Set short term goals and long term goals for yourself. They should be challenging yet realistic. They may be walking a mile everyday for a week or a 10 mile hike along a river trail.
Reward yourself often with presents that are non food items a new pair of dress shoes for your weekly goal, an ipod for your monthly goal.
What motivates you? An evening of
walking laps around the local football field? A brisk walk through the park with you dog? A power walk at dawn? Whatever route you take make sure you enjoy it, then you'll be more likely to stay with it.
Make sure your social network are people who are positive and support you in reaching your goals. Avoid the negative people who drag you down.
Make
walking for weightloss a realistic part of your life without taking over your life. It's okay to skip a walk every now and then and give yourself permission to indulge in a piece of chocolate mousse pie. In other words keep some of life's most joyful moments a part of your life.
