14 of the Best Ways To Lose Weight Walking
Walking can help you lose weight, but that
doesn’t stop it from getting a little boring. Challenge your workout with these
new ideas to walk off the weight.
BY THE EDITORS OF BEST HEALTH
Couple walk up ramp
besthealthmag.ca
The Meet-You-There Walk
Instead of driving with your spouse to the market
or some other nearby destination, leave a bit early on foot and meet him there,
then catch a ride back home. If you normally walk a three-mile loop in the
neighborhood, draw a circle on a map extending that far out in all directions
from your home. This is your sphere of possibility (and it’ll grow larger as
you get fitter).
The Errand Walk
Instead of walking to
get in shape, once or twice a week, walk to get things done. The bank, the
supermarket, the post office, the nail salon. This is healthy, stress-free
multitasking at its best. You’ll need something to carry your stuff, so get a
backpack, or buy a chic and eco-friendly market basket.
The Reverse Walk
We are
creatures of habit. Break yours by occasionally walking your normal route in
the other direction. It not only beats boredom, but it’ll wake you up to the
world around you by helping you see things from fresh angles. Go left instead
of right when you take your first step. Make a point to notice three things you
never observed from the opposite direction.
The Boss Walk
When
it’s time for your next one-on-one with your boss, suggest something that will
get your supervisor’s attention. Instead of sitting in her office where you may
feel intimidated and she may be distracted by incoming emails, suggest that the
two of you go for a walk.
The Rainy Day Walk
At the
first sign of drizzle, many people go into hibernation. But there’s something
about walking in the rain that is simultaneously calming and exhilarating.
Leave the umbrella in the closet. Instead, pull on some rain boots or
waterproof shoes and a big slicker with a hood. Occasionally turn to the sky to
catch a few raindrops on your tongue.
The I’m-So-Mad Walk
When
something is making you angry, hit the road instead of the wall. You’ll not
only get a great physical workout because the adrenaline will make you walk
faster, but you’ll also burn off some of the stress hormones coursing through
your body.
he Better-Marriage Walk
Worried
that you and your spouse don’t really talk anymore? Walking together can help.
Exercise makes us more open, emotional, and honest, plus it guarantees full attention
(no TV or texting). Keep it low-key to start. Talk about things you notice
along the way, interesting items in the news, etc. Then once he’s warmed up,
broach the more serious stuff.
The Virtual Walk
Studies show that you
can actually get muscle fibers to fire by imagining yourself performing an
activity. It’s the same technique that basketball players use to mentally
rehearse foul shots. On days when you’re too busy to escape a walk, at least
spend a few quiet minutes with your eyes closed envisioning yourself striding
strongly and purposefully. It will help you develop muscle memory that’ll make
you more efficient when you do get out for a walk.
The Mini-Walk
If your
day is too packed for your typical 45-minute walk, then take three separate
15-minute strolls. You’ll derive just as much health benefit, plus you’ll keep
your metabolism cranking throughout the day so you burn more calories.
The Figure-It-Out Walk
There’s
something about putting one foot in front of the other that focuses the mind
and brings clarity. A problem that might have overwhelmed you originally or one
that appeared to have no clear solution will often solve itself during a walk.
Don’t dwell on the problem. Instead, think about it to start, and then let it go.
Your subconscious will keep working on it, and before long, a solution will
appear. Magical.
The Spiritual Walk
Spiritual contemplation doesn’t have to take place in a church
or temple. This weekend, take a walk in the big cathedral that’s all around
you—the one too many of us overlook. Think about what you’re thankful for, or
make the time holy by dedicating it to a loved one or someone who’s struggling.
The Going-Nowhere-Fast Walk
For
those days when the weather is bleak, head to the gym or your spare bedroom for
a treadmill walk. To avoid boredom, get a large-scale map of your state or some
exotic country. Then after each workout, highlight the distance you’ve covered
across it.
The Park and Walk
Live
too far from work to commute by foot? Then occasionally drive until you’re a
mile away, park, and walk the rest. You’ll get your exercise almost without
realizing it, save gas, and build a stress-easing buffer around your workday
The Best-Sleep Walk
Many
workers are chronically sleep deprived. In fact, because of things like stress
and caffeine, many of us have become incapable of getting the restful zzz’s we
need. Walking is one of the best ways to relax and usher in a good night’s sleep.
Schedule a stroll between 4 and 7 p.m. Your body temperature is highest then,
your muscles are warmest, and you’ll have plenty to mull over from the day. The
resulting calm will help you drift off at bedtime.
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