It was National Walking Month in May and if you need to burn some pounds and/or need to get fitter then walking might just provide some answers. It’ll also be a good start to your running life.
You know the signs. You can’t see your feet when standing up, and your arse has started to impersonate a small planet.
You need to lose weight.
The idea of going to the gym, or getting into lycra and pounding the streets doesn’t appeal.
Well, you don’t have to. You do need to get off the couch though. And you do need to make time for walking.
You can get some inspiration from the Living Streets web site. And the dear old NHS also has some great advice too.
I’ve been walking for fitness (with intent) for almost a year now.
Here’s some of the things I’ve learned.
Spend as much money as you can afford on a good pair of training shoes. Ones designed for walking obviously:
While you’re at it, get some good quality walking socks too. Then, sloppy old jogging bottoms and an old t-shirt will do. Anything that’s roomy and comfortable in other words. You can go for the full lycra set if you wish – it’s not necessary though.
Next, plan some routes. If you live in the countryside you’re sorted. If you live in a town/city then plan routes that you’ll feel comfortable walking along. Avoid main roads if you can.
Then, get out there.
Walk like you mean it. That’s best described like this:
walk fast enough that you can’t sing your favourite song, but you can hold a short conversation.
It’s not a stroll. You should find yourself sweating and feeling like you are working out.
It should also be enjoyable. To begin with, you are aiming for at least 30 minutes a day. Eventually you’ll go for much longer. Eventually. Don’t up the ante too early.
Finally, buy some blister plasters. I hope you don’t need them, but get them anyway. Badly blistered feet and/or ankles will stop you in your tracks.
walking. It’s a simple way to start feeling fitter and losing weight.