Getting Started With a Walking Routine
It can be a little daunting when you try something new, and starting with a walking routine is no different. But just by following a few simple guidelines, you’ll be walking towards your goals in no time!
Starting Out
If you are new to walking as an exercise routine, it is important to remember that you will have to build it up gradually. Start out with short, easy walks, and slowly increase the length and strength of them as the days and weeks pass. Although it is recommended that we do 30 minutes of exercise daily, you may have to start lower than that, depending on your current activity level.
Setting Goals
Set small goals for yourself when you are starting out. It’s a lot easier to see yourself losing five pounds than fifty pounds and you are more likely to keep going if you are continually hitting small goals along the way to better health. This is also the case when setting time and distance goals. If you start out too quickly you may not be able to keep your pace up.
Make It A Habit
You need to make it a habit. If you only walk occasionally you are less likely to stick with your program, whereas if you do it, say, five times a week you will find that it will become a part of your daily routine and your body will miss it if you don’t do it. And try to keep up a good pace while you are walking. This is especially important if you are walking with a friend, because people find themselves talking to each other and as they do this they unconsciously slow down. It’s important to know what your target heart rate should be and to keep a check on it periodically, just to make sure that you are getting the most out of your exercise time.
Stay Hydrated
It is important to stay hydrated so that you can maintain the right level of exercise while taking care of your body. Dehydration is a serious condition which can affect you even after working out. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your walking routine.
Stay Safe
Watch out and stay safe. It is always best to walk where there are other people, or with others. Walk during the day or if you have to walk at night, make sure the streets or walking areas are well lighted. Make sure your friends and family know where and when you take your walks, and if you can’t find a safe area to walk outside, then consider purchasing a treadmill or joining a gym.
Check First
Finally, always remember to check with your doctor before starting a walking or any exercise program. It is also important, if you are walking to lose weight, that you eat a healthy diet in order to promote adequate weight loss.
Happy Walking!
Walking – The Simple Way To Lose Weight!
If you are just starting out on an exercise routine to lose some weight,many doctors and trainers will tell you that a good way to begin is by walking. There are quite a few reasons why it’s a great way to start losing some pounds:
Weight Loss
This is usually the number one reason people begin walking as an exercise, and the other points below are what keep people walking. It’s the ideal way to start an exercise routine, especially for those who are out of shape and are not quite sure of their fitness level, or are simply interested in enjoying some time outside while they improve it.
Energy
When you exercise your body releases endorphins that help to increase your energy levels and make you feel good. Walking can also relieve stress which can give you an energized or peaceful feeling.
Sleep
Your body likes to exercise because it gets the blood flowing and helps the muscles to stretch out, and this in turn, helps to raise your metabolism All of these things will also help you sleep better at night because the body is tired and needs to be replenished by sleep.
Takes Off Inches
You may be surprised to learn that walking not only helps you lose weight, but can also help you lose inches all over your body. As your leg muscles develop you may notice that they appear trimmer and firmer, your waist and hips will begin to shrink also because of the slight twisting movement that is made while walking, and you may notice that your arms become slimmer and trimmer because of the back and forth motion that is used in faster walking.
Inexpensive
Walking is one of the most inexpensive ways that you can exercise to lose weight. The only thing that you really need to buy is a good pair of walking shoes. You really don’t want to skimp here, because having the right shoes can make all the difference. It’s not necessary to join a gym or purchase a treadmill, though you can if you like, so walking is a great choice for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money but still want to lose weight.
Even though walking is a great choice for beginners, it is also the preferred option of exercise for many experienced walkers, because of the points mentioned above. The main things to remember when walking for weight loss is to talk to your doctor first, eat healthy, stay hydrated, and make walking an enjoyable, daily experience.
If you need walking shoes, a good place to look is HERE
What to Expect When you Cleanse – the Side Effects
If you are about to do a cleanse or detox, there are some side effects and other things you should know about and be ready for. There are both positive and negative side effects.
Negative Side Effects
Because I like to end on a positive note, let’s start with the negative side effects first!
Headaches:
When you begin to leave substances like caffeine and sugar out of your diet, things that your body is used to getting, you may suffer from headaches during the first few days of the cleanse. This is because your body is technically going through withdrawals from these addictive substances.
Lightheaded or Dizziness:
When cleansing, what you are doing is reducing the amount of food to your body. This might make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. As your body adjusts, you should start to feel a lot better.
Crankiness:
When your body stops getting what it’s used to, you may feel cranky or grumpy. Again, once your body adjusts to being cleansed, after 3 or 4 days or so, you should start to feel brighter and be much happier and more positive.
Insomnia:
Usually, when doing a cleanse over an extended period of time, you tend to alter your schedule, therefore you may experience some disruption to your sleeping pattern. Nothing to be alarmed about and this will also pass as soon as your body adjusts.
Very Loose Bowels:
Of all the negative side effects, this is probably the most unpleasant. But this is your body’s way of getting rid of all those nasty toxins. It’s a good idea to stay close to home when cleansing; read that book you’ve always been meaning to , or learn a new skill on your home computer!
Positive Side Effects
Now that the negative side effects are done with, let’s finish with a couple of positive side effects that will make your detox worthwhile.
Weight Loss:
This is probably the number one reason people choose to do a detoxification cleanse. Whether you do a full 10 day cleanse, like the Lemonade Cleanse, or a 24 hour cleanse once a week, you could well experience a weight loss from anywhere in the region of a couple of pounds up to 20 pounds or more. This is most likely due to the reduction of food you’re taking in and water weight.
Sense of Well Being:
Cleansing your body will leave you with an overall sensation of purification throughout your body; and because you have rid your body of nasty toxins that have built up over the years, you are more than likely to feel more alert and focused, as well as more energized.
