AdvancedBodyFitness.com

Did you know that a mere 5 to 10 percent weight reduction can result to life saving benefits? Yes it can, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Overweight people can significantly reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels when they start a healthy weight loss program. Weight loss also brings considerable improvement to overall health, most notable of which are better mobility, higher energy and mood levels, and increased self confidence.

Walking is one easy way to begin your efforts at weight loss. Getting into a regular walking routine improves circulation and increases metabolism to help you burn more calories; it also tones up your muscles and strengthens the bones and joints. What’s nice about walking is that it can also be a social activity and requires no special training. Simply hook up with a group or a walking buddy and steer your way to better health.

Here are some important tips to enjoy your walking routine:

1. INVEST IN GOOD FOOTWEAR. This will be carrying all your weight when you do walking exercise, so don’t skimp when selecting a good pair. People at a sports store can assist you in selecting the appropriate pair for you. Walking shoes usually last up to 300 miles of usage, so replace them when the treads are worn, just as you would your car tires.

2. DO SOME STRETCHING BEFORE AND AFTER WALKING. Perk up those muscles prior to walking to keep them flexible and avoid cramping.

3. PUT A PRIORITY ON SAFETY. When you walk, select a safe and secure location. The park or a sports complex are the best choices. In case there aren’t any nearby, walk facing oncoming traffic if you have to use the streets. Choose well-lit routes and walk with someone if possible.

4. DON’T LET THE WEATHER GET IN THE WAY. Unless it’s stormy, don’t let the cold weather keep you from taking your regular walks. Bundle up with a few layers and wear a hat and gloves. You’ll feel great when you get warmed up inside your gear even with the chilly air.

5. WALK AT LEAST 3 TIMES PER WEEK. As much as possible, do it every other day until you build up on strength. Then go walking everyday when you’ve built up your resistance. It’s not dangerous to do it daily since walking is low-impact.

6. WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES. Avoid cotton and fabric that sticks to the body when you sweat. Choose the more absorbent ones that keep you cool as you sweat or prevent moisture from cooling you down during your winter walks.

7. SET ACHIEVABLE GOALS. When you get into a new fitness regimen, you can motivate yourself better and enhance your performance by setting realistic goals. Identify your targeted time, weight or distance, and when you achieve this, treat yourself to a reward. It really does help to make it fun and more worthwhile.

8. USE THE 10% RULE WHEN INCREASING DURATION. Over time, You may want to walk even longer than when you started. To be safe, add no more than 10% of walk time to your routine at a time.

9. UPGRADE TO HILLS AND OTHER CHALLENGES. When you’ve built up on resistance and strength, try some new hills to burn more calories. They’re also quite effective in strength training and muscle toning.

10. TUNE UP YOUR BODY. Achieve maximum workout results by detoxing twice a year. Cleanse your system of harmful toxins so you get rid of the sluggish feeling and improve your resistance to illness. Detoxing also eradicates food cravings and provides better body functionality. The Clean 9 Program is a convenient 9-day detox regimen that cleanses and regulates internal body processes so it can function at its best. Just as cars need regular servicing and computers need scheduled disk cleanups, it is also important to do maintenance work on your body so it is always at its finest.