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Why an article about walking? You already know that walking is one of the best exercises. It's free. You don't need any special equipment (other than a sturdy pair of shoes). No trainer is needed: you already know how to do it.
This article will give you some ideas on how to spice up your walking program to fight boredom and accelerate the weight loss benefits.
Fight Boredom
The key to success with any exercise program is to keep doing it on a consistent basis. Make exercise a habit. But sometimes the same routine can lead to boredom. Consider spicing up your walking workouts once in awhile.
Get Different Walking Partners - Maybe you prefer to walk alone and meditate or mentally go over your to-do list for the day, but many people enjoy the social interaction of walking with someone else.
Perhaps you have a friend or neighbor or even your spouse who you walk with during the week. Consider scheduling a walk with someone else on the weekend. Instead of meeting for coffee or going out to eat, call up a friend and suggest a walk in a nearby park or mall.
Change Your Location - In the dead of winter in a cold climate you may not have much choice but to walk on a treadmill or in a mall. But in more temperate climates or during the warmer months, it's invigorating to vary your walking locations. Choose outdoor venues and make a point to notice the natural surroundings.
Listen To What Inspires You - If you prefer to walk alone do you listen to music? Get some new CDs or download some new music into your MP3 player. What about a book on CD? Audio recordings can even be checked out from your library or downloaded from the internet. ITunes has a huge selection of podcasts on just about any subject, and many of them are free.
Burn More Calories
Maybe you'd like to make your walks more challenging. Here are some ways to get your heart pumping a little faster.
Strap on a Backpack - One way to add weight in a comfortable way is to buy a good quality backpack and fill it with books, water bottles, or even rocks. Start out light and work your way up to heavier weights.
Push a Stroller - If you're a Mom or Dad you might already be walking with your kids in a stroller. But if you haven't been doing it consistently, it can be a great way to get your kids some fresh air while you burn some calories. You can even join up with other parents in stroller walking groups that meet up in parks. Check CraigsList for announcements.
Add Some Hills - Walking up and down hills burns more calories and works different muscles than walking on flat ground.
Climb Stairs - If you live an urban area, climbing stairs is an invigorating alternative to walking, especially in inclement weather. You can even take the elevator down to avoid stress on your joints. Climbing stairs in your hotel is also a good workout when your travelling.
Speed Up - If you are the competitive type, time your walks and keep a log. On certain days make a conscious effort to push yourself and beat your best time. Another invigorating workout is interval training. Challenge yourself to walk fast for one block, slower for the next and repeat.
If you are walking on a consistent basis, congratulations you are taking productive steps to better health and sustained weight loss. Vary your routine occasionally to prevent boredom and challenge yourself to better fitness.
Thanks To : Easter Product Store
