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Walking to Lose Weight

Walking to Lose Weight
Good arch supports in your shoes help prevent plantar fasciitis

Walking to Lose Weight

Dressing for Walking

The type of clothing you select for walking to lose weight will reflect both your personal preference as well as where you are walking. Will you be walking indoors on a track or at the mall? Will you we walking outdoors on a trail or road? If you will be outdoors, what is the climate in your area? What is the weather like? Dressing in layers is rule number one when preparing to walk or run. You should choose clothing that is snug but not so tight that it constricts your movements. Clothing that is too loose may trip you or rub, causing blisters.

A good rule of thumb is that you should select clothing that wicks moisture away from your body. Doing so will keep you cool when it is hot and keep you warm when it is cold.You should start with a under layer made from synthetic material. Wicking shirts are very popular and you can find them in nearly every store that sells sporting goods. You should avoid using cotton as the layer that is closest to your skin, especially if you are layering for warmth.

Will a Pedometer help me Reach my Goals for Walking to Lose Weight?

Pedometers image

Pedometers are electronic devices that measure how many steps you have taken over a period of time. We can incorporate them into watches, phones, or other portable devices. Some you wear around your wrist, while others you clip to your waist band at your hip. Some you wear on a lanyard around your neck and some affix to your shoes. It is not necessary to use a pedometer to enjoy walking as a fitness activity, but many find them handy and useful. If you do have one, many people find that tracking their progress is a good motivator when Walking to Lose Weight. Some have apps where you can share your activity and compete against others.

The Role of Orthotics and Walking

Some walkers discover that the only way to find relief from chronic foot and ankle pain is by using orthotics. Shoe inserts can help to properly align your feet so that the biomechanics of your strides be more efficient, using the natural strengths of your body the way they are designed to be used. If you still notice pain in your lower back, your hips, knees and/or feet even after using appropriate equipment for several weeks, you may find relief after trying orthotics. A wide range of orthotic styles can be found in retail and specialty stores. If you are unsure if orthotics are right for you, talk to your healthcare provider, physical therapist, physical trainer, chiropodist, pedorthist, or orthotist for an assessment to find out which orthotics best address your needs. Orthotics range from custom made carbon-fibre inserts to simple over-the-counter arch supports and can fit most shoe types. 

How can I prevent injuries while walking for weight loss?

To prevent injuries while walking for weight loss, it’s important to follow some key guidelines:

  1. Wear proper footwear: Invest in a good pair of walking shoes that provide adequate support, cushioning, and stability. Replace them when they show signs of wear and tear.
  2. Warm up and stretch: Prior to your walk, spend a few minutes doing dynamic warm-up exercises to loosen up your muscles. Afterward, perform stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of muscle strains.
  3. Start gradually: Begin with shorter walks at a comfortable pace and gradually increase the duration and intensity over time. This allows your body to adapt and reduces the risk of overuse injuries.
  4. Maintain proper posture: Walk tall with your head up, shoulders relaxed, and abdomen engaged. Avoid slouching or leaning forward excessively, as it can strain your back and lead to discomfort.
  5. Pay attention to surfaces: Choose even, smooth walking surfaces whenever possible to minimize the risk of trips and falls. Be cautious on uneven terrain, and watch out for obstacles like potholes or loose gravel.
  6. Listen to your body: Pay attention to any pain, discomfort, or unusual sensations during or after walking. If you experience persistent pain, rest, and consult a healthcare professional.
  7. Stay hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after your walk to stay properly hydrated. Dehydration can increase the risk of muscle cramps and fatigue.
  8. Be mindful of weather conditions: In extreme heat or cold, take appropriate precautions. Dress in layers, wear sunscreen, and protect yourself from the elements.
  9. Incorporate strength training: Strengthening your muscles, especially your core and lower body, can improve stability and reduce the risk of injuries. Include exercises like lunges, squats, and planks in your routine.

Don’t Overlook the Stretching

You should always stretch before taking a run or a walk. If they stretch at all, most people start by stretching immediately. This is not the most effective way to stretch. The best time to stretch is after you have done a general body warm up. Stretching is more beneficial when your muscles are warm and relaxed. You should march or jog in place for about 5-10 minutes in order to increase your heart rate and body temperature before stretching.

There are two types of stretches you can do. Both static and dynamic stretches will benefit your muscles in different ways. Static stretches improve your overall flexibility and should be done after you have finished your walking workout in increase their effectiveness. Dynamic stretches on the other hand are better done prior to walking or running. They are essential in preparing your muscles for the active movements that happen with walking.

What Other Advantages Does Walking Possess?

When you walk for weight reduction, you may enjoy the following advantages: Walking helps you lose weight, but it also does many other things that keep you healthy.

The Metabolism is Boosted by Walking

Walking on a regular basis helps to boost metabolism. The body will eventually speed up its metabolism as it becomes accustomed to this greater level of exercise. Fortunately, it means that same tasks will use less energy from your body.

Additionally, a higher metabolism level aids in burning more calories and inactive fat, which ultimately increases weight reduction.

Walking Promotes Weight Loss and Maintains Heart Health

The rate of the metabolism is increased by walking. Additionally, it keeps the heart healthy by reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes.

In fact, people often gain weight as they recover from a cardiac incident. Walking is a great way to lose this extra weight.

Calories Burned While Walking

First off, it needs to be emphasized that walking is not the quickest method for losing weight. However, the prolonged period of muscle activity will result in significant calorie expenditure. Walking is a gradual and consistent method of weight loss and maintenance. The outcomes will be advantageous if you pair it with consistent weight training.

What Time of Day Is Best for Walking?

There are certain times of the day when walking is ideal, so you can’t just go for a stroll whenever you feel like it. The optimal times to begin your walks are at the following times.

Morning

A stroll in the morning is beneficial for weight loss, and the optimal time to walk is at around 6:00 PM. Studies on the topic are also carried out after considering temperature, body cycles, and lung function. Nevertheless, walking at various times of the day has a number of advantages.

Evening

People are said to benefit more from walking in the evening since their muscles are more flexible and warmed up. Additionally, evening exercise prevents midnight overeating and snacking.