By Ron Taggy
Dieting and exercise are two critical concepts for weight loss. One of the best ways to exercise for weight loss is by jogging or walking. The benefits are obvious -- you don't need a gym membership, you can do it anywhere, and it is not as rigorous as some of the other types of fitness exercises.
Not only that, it is an excellent way to burn up calories without killing yourself. For example, a simple half hour walk on a flat surface at a decent pace can burn up 100 calories. If you head up a hill, you can burn 200 calories or more in the same amount of time. Not to mention you can kill two birds with one stone by taking out a friend and socializing during the time you work out.
However, even walking or jogging for weight loss can be even easier with a little bit of know-how. First, you should wear shoes that are made for walking. Find something that is comfortable and is light. Compare how much extra weight a pair of 2 pound shoes would have after 10,000 steps against a pair of shoes that only weighed 1 pound. Your shins will surely know the difference.
Also, make sure to have the proper form when you're walking, otherwise you may end up sore. In this case, keep an upright posture and relax your shoulders. It's important to also keep your neck straight and hold your head high, otherwise you may feel strained in your neck and shoulders. It is better to move your eyes to see were you're going than to move your head.
Make sure to use your arms properly when you're out walking or jogging. Bend your elbows and allow your arms to swing by your sides naturally. Otherwise, you may feel tingling or numbness and you won't burn up as many calories either.
You should also consider getting fitness equipment for walking or jogging, like an elliptical machine or treadmill. Many people report that they feel soreness of the joints from the stress that's caused by the impact on the ground. An elliptical is a great way to reduce stress, so you can get the same workout without feeling any soreness in your joints whatsoever.
Finally, a word of caution. Many people who first start jogging or walking think that if they carry weights or wear ankle weights that they will get a better workout. However, this usually causes an unnatural weight distribution on the body which can make you feel tenderness, soreness or even cause injury. It is best to walk or jog without carrying any unnecessary weight.
In conclusion, walking is a great way to burn up calories, boost your metabolism and help you burn more fat even when you are resting. And you can do it practically anywhere, from a walk around the block, a jog around a school track or even a run across country grounds. So get out there and exercise today so you can enjoy the benefits immediately.
About the Author: The author is part of an expert fitness team, that has launched a comprehensive guide on Bowflex fitness equipment. To read our independent reviews, user videos and low price alerts for the Bowflex models and how they can help you achieve your fitness goals, visit Bowflex Reviews
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=220712&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Exercising For Weight Loss
Get Real And Lose Weight
By Sharon Bell
“The pure mathematics of weight loss is simple - eat less, move more. If everyone knew that, people would be in great shape,” according to Los Angeles-based personal trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels of NBC's weight loss reality TV show The Biggest Loser.
Weight loss is a word that bombards us everyday. While many people are not happy with their present weight, some don’t really know how to lose weight and are better off staying where they are. You may want to look like the models or actors you see in magazines or on television but that goal might not be healthy or realistic for you.
So let’s get real and set a goal. Take note of the word “cut”. It’s time to cut calories. Did you know that a gram of fat contains twice as many calories as a gram of carbohydrate or protein? Try to eliminate fat-rich foods in your diet, choose lower or fat-reduced options, use cooking oil and spreads sparingly, and remove excess fat from meat. The best option is to have a low calorie diet such as fruits and vegetables. Fiber-rich foods and whole grain breakfast cereals are also good choices.
Cut sugar-rich drinks and alcohol. Choose water, tea, coffee or artificially sweetened drinks instead. Downsize potatoes, pasta, rice, and fatty and sugary foods, and super size fruits and vegetables.
Being healthy is really about being at a weight that is right for you. The best way to find out if your weight is okay or if you need to lose or gain a few pounds is to talk to a doctor or dietitian. He or she can compare your weight with healthy norms to help you set realistic goals.
The Biggest Loser hosts further said that we should not aim on getting the spectacular body of a movie star - unless, that is, you’re blessed with a naturally great figure. "Celebrities have private chefs; trainers like me working with them 24 hours a day, 6 days a week; and plastic surgeons to fix whatever problems are left," said Jillian.
The reality is that some of us can’t afford the luxury of being a celebrity. While you may not be destined to be a celebrity, you are not destined to be overweight either.
About the Author: Eat right, exercise, and check out http://www.zyroxin.com to speed up your metabolism and lose weight. Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.healthnfitnesszone.com.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=183704&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet
