There are many programs to try for a healthy weight loss. You can control your weight by checking your food intake and by regular exercises . WALKING ... briskly will lead you towards a healthy life!

Yes, the best exercise I can think of is WALKING! I say this, out of my own experience. I don’t have a car as yet, but hope to get one sometime in future! I hope my attitude about walking doesn’t change even after buying a car!

At present , I use the metrobus for all my transportation. That means, I walk a lot! Yes, the bus stop is quite far from our house and I walk to catch the bus every day to reach my work spot. Walking has refreshed my mind and increased the body energy .

I feel the journey to health and fitness begins with active living! Just move a little more every day ! You will certainly feel good! You can walk part-way or all the way home from work or school. You can walk to the store to buy anything you need. You can walk the stairs, instead of using an elevator. You can walk at break time or lunch. You can take an after-dinner stroll with your partner. You can walk a dog, if you have one. Or, borrow your neighbour’s !
(if u don’t have one!) All these are just few examples !You can find many more ways which involves walking.

Let’s see the benifits of walking. More than being an enjoyable mode of transportation, walking improves your fitness, health and mental well-being. Walking refreshes the mind and reduces fatigue. An interesting fact is, more than 50% of our body’s muscles are designed for walking. That is why, walking is regarded as a natural movement, which is virtually injury-free.

Walking also provides enjoyable time for sharing and socializing with friends or family. Regular brisk walking can reduce blood pressure and improve digestion. Walking strengthens bones and helps prevent or control ’osteoporosis’ , a condition where bones become brittle and fragile. Walking also relieves tension and stress.

Regular walking , when combined with healthy eating will help you maintain a healthy weight and a positive body image! Also, walking increases the body’s demand for oxygen and trains your heart, lungs and muscles to work more efficiently. I would say it is an aerobic activity which does wonders to your body!

A small tip from me! ..... before you start walking!
When you walk, your feet hit the ground more than 400 times each mile. So, you need to wear comfortable socks and well-designed walking shoes.Before buying walking shoes, try on both shoes and walk around in the store.

Let’s slowly step out!

1) A little walking every day is far better than occasional weekend walks! So, aim to make short walks a daily venture!
2) Explore a variety of routes and choose ones that are interesting, safe and convenient! Be careful to avoid places of heavy traffic!
3) Walk with others! This can be more motivating than walking alone. You can ask your friend, neighbour or family member to join you.
4) Walk safely! Don’t wear a walkman in areas where you need to be constantly alert!
5) During hot season, choose a shaded route. Drink some cool water before starting. Wear a hat and sunscreen.
6) When it is cold, you can plan to walk inside a shopping centre. ( Leave your purse in the house. You will be tempted to buy something!)
7) Dress in comfortable clothing such as cotton or wool according to the prevailing weather .

Let’s make walking , part of our daily routine !

I believe that our feet were made for walking and hope I have convinced you enough regarding the benefits of walking. Walking is a natural and effective way to stay active! And best of all- it feels great! So, let’s get ready, set, walk !