We’ve heard it over and over that walking increases energy levels and can promote weight loss. Healthy lifestyle habits like regular physical exercise are important to maintain for long term weight management and improved health benefits. On another note, exercise simply makes us feel good. It’s one of those things many people enjoy once they start doing it; we just have a hard time taking the initiative.

Count Your Steps

Consider investing in a pedometer to track the number of steps you take each day. Track your steps for a week to see how much you’se been walking. Then increase your number of steps on a regular basis. Begin with simple changes; park further from the door at work, or at the end of the row at the grocery store. Climb stairs instead of taking the elevator. Take a walk for part of your lunch break, or go the long way to the break room at work. Simple changes can dramatically impact your daily steps.

Set Goals

Once you’se tracked your steps, figure out how much you can increase your goal each week. Maybe take a longer walk during the day, or after dinner. Set a new goal for yourself and raise it once a month.

Benefits of Walking

Studies have shown that walking is a great way to increase energy. A ten minute walk can boost energy levels for over two hours, according to one study. Walking boosts your immune system and relives stress, two factors that can considerably affect energy levels and weight loss. When we’re tired and stressed out, we have a higher tendency of over eating, as well as craving carbohydrates and high calorie foods.

Walking also has been shown to do the following:

• Encourage weight loss and management
• Eases menstrual pain and cramping
• Encourages deeper sleep
• Increases mental alertness
• Reduces symptoms of anxiety

If you find you have a difficult time increasing your daily exercise, examine your attitudes towards exercise itself. Do you dread it or look forward to it? If you dread exercising, think about why. What steps could you take to enjoy it? Make a list of exercises you would enjoy doing. Try not to think of exercise as hard and sweaty, but instead as a fun activity involving moving your body around. If you change your attitudes towards it, exercise can be fun.

Get a jump start on your personal weight loss program today.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/default.htm