Walking for Weight Loss & Fitness

Several years ago I got the opportunity of a lifetime. I was the ecstatic recipient of a tummy-tuck free of charge. Not only that, but if you are impressed by this sort of thing, the physician who did the procedure was a very successful cosmetic surgeon on Wilshire Blvd. near Beverly Hills. And, to add to this unlikely testimonial, this awesome opportunity was made possible by my then ex-husband. What, you may ask, does this have to do with walking for weight loss and fitness? Well, I’ll tell you.

After having four caesarian sections my belly resembled bloated bread dough after the first punch (bread makers will know exactly what I’m talking about). And, no matter what I wore, I still looked six months pregnant and I weighed 198 lbs, not a good weight for my 5’’3” frame. I knew in order to enjoy optimum benefits from my upcoming surgery; I had to lose weight and fast. This might be a good time to add that prior to this event; the last time I participated in anything that resembled exercise was high school gym class years earlier. Here’s how I did it and became a true believer in walking for fitness and weight loss. You can, too.

• First, you really should talk to your doctor before you begin any type of exercise regime. I did this during my first appointment with the tummy-tuck doc, but your family physician or doctor of your choice will work.
• Go get yourself a decent pair of walking shoes. Ask the salesperson to explain what makes a good fitting walking shoe. You do not need to spend an arm and a leg.
• Next, determine how far and how fast you are going to begin your walk. Don’t get discouraged if all you can do is walk to your mailbox the first day. If that is an accomplishment for you, then you are on your way. Maybe you can make it to the neighbor’s mailbox, or even the end of the block. Just begin somewhere and add distance every day that you walk.
• I like to walk the same route everyday but some people think that is just too boring. You can choose several routes. Maybe around your own neighborhood on Monday, and around the local park on Tuesday. Whatever works best for you.
• Have an alternate plan in case of rainy weather. Plan to walk in the local mall when weather is just too hot or too cold or rainy. If you prefer to walk outside even when it’s cold, dress appropriately but don’t over dress. I always wear gloves and a scarf when the thermometer dips too low. But you’ll know what you’ll need.
• Use this time for yourself if you are going it alone. Download your favorite tunes in the iPod and let the music influence your mood. Or, this is a good time to just think, work out a problem or two. Take notice of the sights around you. Learn to enjoy the time.
• Perhaps you are better motivated when you have others participating with you. The advantage is if you are really tempted to skip a walking day, you will have other buddies to encourage you to get out there and do it.
• Posture is important, but not really something you have to dwell on at first if just getting motivated is a hurdle. But do remember to look ahead. Don’t move along with your head hanging. Eventually you’ll think about straightening up and shoulders relaxed.
• There’s something inspiring about use a pedometer. It’s fun to see just how you are progressing. Pedometers are not necessary, but they are fun.
• When first starting out, you should not walk so fast that you couldn’t carry on a conversation with someone. You can work up to a faster pace as your body gets used to your new regime. But when it time to quicken your pace, don’t take larger strides, just move faster. Working at a moderate pace for 30-60 minutes burns fat, boosts your metabolism, and builds muscle. Walking an hour a day can cut your risk of heat disease, breast and colon cancer, diabetes and stroke. Wow, and you just wanted to lose some weight.
• If setting aside an entire hour to walk, consider this. Perhaps you can get in 20 minutes before work or school, then 15 or 20 minutes during lunch and another 20 minutes in the evening.

I managed to lose 40 lbs. in 4 months and happily returned to the Beverly Hills doc who did a mighty fine job on my tummy. But that’s not the end of the story. I don’t want to say that I became addicted to walking so let me just say this: After just a few weeks, I just couldn’t face the end of a day without going for a walk. I ended up doing 3 ½ miles twice a day. It was exhilarating. Not only that, but my legs lost their flab and I was left with beautiful muscles. I wore shorts and sleeveless shirts in the summer. For the first time in years I could wear slacks with front pleats that draped straight down instead of being filled full. I got to the point where I strapped 5 lb. weights on my ankles when I walked. I was healthier and happier. The truth of the matter was that I was in great shape without the tummy-tuck, but who’s going to pass that up? I still had that bread dough tummy before surgery, so I went for it. That surgery was my incentive to get walking and even years after I continued to enjoy the benefits. Find what motivates you. Hang onto that and I know you can succeed and be all the more happy and fit for doing it. Good luck!