Health
Walk it off
Let's face it, the thought of walking power propelled, arms a swinging, past a group of unruly schoolboys would fill even the most fitness-focused of us with dread. Walking isn’t sexy but when it comes to weight loss and upping your fitness levels, the modest stroll is a winner.
Walking, unlike other forms of exercise, is fun, free and burns up to up to 400 calories per hour. Why not walk the malls in Marshes Shopping Centre – sure to give you ample time to browse? Walking is not just great for losing weight, keeping fit and window shopping. It’s also fantastic for reducing the risk of diabetes, osteoporosis and breast cancer, as well as for reducing stress and anxiety.
STEP TO IT!
Pull in your stomach muscles and stand up straight as you stride. To align your spine correctly, lower your shoulders and lengthen your neck as you walk, holding your head high. For added strutting power, swing your arms across your body, coming up to breast level. When you swing them back make sure your shoulders open up to help propel you forwards.
BEFORE YOU START
To maximise your weight loss you first need to calculate your baseline walking level - this is the average number of steps you walk in a day. To work it out you'll need a pedometer. Check out Lifestyle Sports Marshes for your accurate pedometer. All you have to do is write down how many steps you walk in three days, then on the final day add them all up and divide the number by three. This is your baseline.
YOUR DROP A DRESS SIZE PLAN
Start by working you baseline, after 4-5 days add 1,000 steps to your baseline. On day 6 add 1,500 steps to your baseline. Drink at least 200ml of water before you start your walk and keep sipping throughout. Complete a mini fitness test on day 7. Find a route that you regularly walk. Walk the route as fast as you can so you feel out of breath by the end. Note how long you take - you'll need this later. Continue by adding 1,500 steps to your baseline. Have a rest on day 12. Continue by adding 2,500 steps to your baseline. Continue by adding 3,000 steps to your baseline. Have a rest on day 13. Add another 2,000 steps to your baseline. Repeat the mini Fitness test on day 19. Have you improved? Day 20 – keep it up. You have most likely reached your peak fitness, maintain this level with regular walking and a healthy diet plan.
Adapted from a fitness regime compiled by Joanna Hall, a diet and movement specialist. Visit Joannahall.com.