WALK MORE TO GET LEAN

Walk More. If you’re not a big fan of running marathons to add more years to your life then walking would be a better idea to get more blood pumping through your veins. I don’t mean those leisurely walks you take along the beach during a summer date. For walking to be an effective tool in getting a lean body you have to do it in a certain pace. It’s called brisk walking, a cross between a jog and a typical walk. This way you’re giving your legs a proper workout just by taking time out from the bus or the car. Here are some great tips you can use daily.
• It’s your turn to walk the dog! Spend time with man’s best friend while you walk through the park or even hike towards the grocery store. If you don’t own a dog, then offer to walk your neighbor’s dog. Whatever you do, only make sure you’re not allergic to animal dander. Or else you’ll be sneezing and wheezing all the way to the Emergency Room.
• If you walk home from school try going on a different route. Albeit a much longer one, it will give you additional minutes to sweat it out on the road. Besides, you might see interesting things along the way. You might discover a unique store, pass by historical landmarks or enjoy a scenic view. Things you would never have witnessed if you had taken the short and easy route home. Be certain though that you live in a safe neighborhood and that you aren’t going home late in the evening. In that case arriving at your house in one piece is much better than being five pounds thinner. Put your safety first before anything else.
• If you take the bus every day, then I have just the tip. Get off a block or two away from your house or your office. Of course you need not try this if you’re already late. Wake up early, catch a bus and brisk-walk the remaining meters to your house, office or school. This way you have the privilege of enjoying a good walk before starting or ending your work day!
• If you go to school with other kids on your block, you can enjoy the walk better if you have company. So go ahead and ask them to walk with you!
• Have a walking partner. Be it your spouse or your best buddy. You can schedule your walks together and arrange it so that it doesn’t conflict with each of your own schedules. This way you won’t be tempted to skip your walking appointments because then you would be letting your partner down. It will improve the level of commitment you have for your fitness routine.
• Invest in good walking shoes. The most prescribed are those with rubber soles. Comfort is the main concern you should take into consideration when you choose shoes.
• Carry a bottle of water along with you at all times. When you are walking or jogging in warm weather, you might get dehydrated quickly. It’s important that you replenish all those lost fluids fast. Also, there are other fluids that contain electrolytes as well. Look into energy drinks because sometimes plain water will not be enough to replace electrolyte losses when you sweat it out under the sun. But do read the ingredients first - some of them are more filled with hype than with healthy ingredients.
• Another tip for your safety would be to be careful to avoid a sunburn. This does not mean you have to use lotions that often contain harmful chemicals, and that block out vitamin D. Instead, cover yourself appropriately, and use sun blockers only as needed.
• Before walking the dog, make sure your clothing is appropriate. No tight spandex shorts and high heels. Cotton sweats work best because they still allow your skin to breathe. Bring along a towel if you feel you will need one.
• Buy a pedometer. It is a device that measures how many steps you have taken during your entire walk. When you see the number right in front of you, you get to appreciate the hard work you’ve put into your workout. It will motivate you to aim for more steps the next time around. You will witness your improvement every time you check your pedometer! Hurray!
• Since your feet have been doing all the work to get you looking slim and sexy, there would be nothing nicer than splurging on a little surprise for your two exercise buddies. As a reward to yourself, treat your feet to a very well-deserved manicure or even a foot spa! It would be nice to see your feet get pampered after a long walk. You can almost feel your feet giggling with joy!