Walking home from work each day is a great way to kick off a weight loss program. If you wish to lose weight while walking, it is best to start off slowly. If you have not been very active before do not rush into any walking exercise program. Start off with just 10 minutes a day and then gradually increase the time as your body gets used to this. You can then build up to 15 minutes twice a week. Once you are more comfortable with this you can increase it to 30 minutes three times a week. Walking provides several health benefits apart from weight loss. These include:-
- Staying strong and fit
- Lowering your blood pressure
- Reducing or managing type 2 diabetes
- Improving your mood
- Raising HDL ( high density lipoprotein or good) cholesterol
- Lowering LDL ( low density lipoprotein or bad) cholesterol
If you decide to start walking home each day whether from work or from the grocery store, it is necessary to keep the following points in mind. It is essential to invest in a good pair of walking shoes before you actually start walking. A pair of high quality shoes will support your back and also keep aches and pains away. Do not buy jogging shoes as this type of shoe is designed specifically to take the long stride of a jog. The clothes that you wear while walking home should be loose fitting and comfortable too. Choose a material that breathes – that is, one that allows perspiration to escape. Cotton is not advisable. A light jacket might be necessary in cooler weather or when it rains. Be sure to wear either reflective tape or bright colors if you are walking home when it is dark.
It is important to set realistic goals for yourself while walking home. It would not be advisable to go walking home from work every day, especially if the distance is long. One would need to take sufficient care while doing so as excessive walking would also drain you off essential nutrients. It might be easier if you set a goal of thrice a week or at least five times a week. If you are not in the habit of walking, build it into your daily schedule gradually. Start off with walking home from the supermarket down the road. Make it a more enjoyable form of exercise by inviting your spouse or friend or neighbor to walk home with you.
