Benefits of Walking
It is the easiest and most natural form of exercise for your body yet most of us don’t do it. One of the most repeated weight loss tips -walking just three times a week for 30 minutes can significantly increase fitness levels amongst other things. The list of good is extensive from it’s good for your bones, helps fight body fat, reduces risk of breast or colon cancers, it strengthens your heart and muscles and helps prevent diabetes.
It doesn’t require much thought really? Slap on a pair of sneakers and just walk. Then do it again maybe for a bit longer and again and again. As you grow stronger you will increase your distance or times per week that you walk, but for now just walk!
Need Motivation? Nike+ Not Just for Running
If you are a sucker for technology and weight loss gadgets then why not check out the Nike+ Sensor. Fear not you don’t have to buy an expensive pair of Nike sneakers to make it work. The sensor will cost you $20 – $30 depending on where you are from and you can buy one with an adaptor for your shoes so that it will clip right on your favorite pair. You will need to link your sensor to a device that will track the progress of your walk and if you don’t have a new Nano or IPod touch which include the feature then you can buy a sportband $60-$80 which you place on your wrist like a watch.
The Nike+ SportBand or iPod built in programs – track your distance, pace, time and calories burned while you walk and/or run. After each workout you remove the Nike+ Link and connect it to your computer’s USB port of your computer (sportband option) or sync your iPod to Itunes. You will be redirected to nikeplus.com, where you can create a profile, set goals, see your progress and take part in the Nike+ community. Find other walking challenges to take part it and you can even take your walking to the next level and follow a Walk to Run coaching program.
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Nike+ Sport Band comes with a sensor (no adapter for different shoes you will have to buy the clip or shoe bag separately.)
Seeing all your stats there on the screen and comparing it to people in the challenges you signed up for is very motivating. Adding goals like calories burned or walks to complete can also keep you on track. Watch yourself grow as a walker, increasing your time, distance and speed as you add this healthy and easy exercise routine to your new balanced healthy life.
Weight Loss Tips: Start Walking!
So get out there and think about where you can add walking into your day. The Surgeon General recommends 30 minutes or more of accumulated moderate intensity physical activity on five or more days per week to improve health and fitness. How much did you walk today:
