Read our tips for getting into a routine of regular walking, a great way to burn calories and increase fitness. You could even join in with organised walks around the country and turn regular walking into a hobby.
The weather is less brutal, allowing us to venture outside a bit more so why not try getting involved in some new forms of exercise. What you need to do is get the heart pumping for 30 minutes, at least 3 times per week. This could mean brisk walking, swimming or cycling, but also any other physical activity such as gardening or dancing. The trick is to choose something you enjoy doing so that it’s easy to slot into your busy schedule so it doesn’t feel like a chore.
Why not try and join in with an organised walk? Exercising in a group is a good way of catching up with friends and making new ones, and you forget you’re exercising! Get started with our guide….
- Firstly make sure you have the correct footwear. Walking shoes or trainers that support the foot are your best bet. If you have led a relatively sedentary lifestyle for a while, you need to have realistic expectations about weight loss and fitness results. Start small, perhaps by going round the block or park a couple of times at a comfortable pace 3 times a week.
- Try and increase the time for which you walk at a rate that feels comfortable. Don’t worry about speed and distance, this will come later.
- When you can walk comfortably for 30-40 minutes try and increase the speed you are walking. The ideal pace is when you are slightly out of breath but can still carry on a conversation.
- You may want to try interval training for optimum health benefits walk at an increased rate for 2 minutes then slow back to your normal rate for 3 minutes. Repeat this throughout your walk if you can, as it is a great way to work the heart, speed up metabolism, lose weight and improve fitness