Walk Yourself Thin

Posted on April 9, 2008 in General, Mom, Exercise by Emilie

Eager to drop those last remaining post pregnancy pounds and slip back into your pre-pregnancy jeans? Read on!

If you’ve followed the adage, nine months up, nine months down, chances are you’ve lost the bulk of your pregnancy weight by now.(Whether you have or you haven’t, keep reading.) One of the best ways to shed pounds and get fit is also one of the simplest: Walking! Almost anyone can do it, just get yourself a good pair of sneakers and you’re ready to roll. Here, tips on getting started — and going the distance.

Buy a pedometer. It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive — all you need is one that keeps track of the amount of steps you take in a day. Your goal: at least 10,000, which may sound like a lot but is entirely doable (Promise!).
Set a baseline number. After wearing your pedometer for a few days, you’ll get an idea of how many steps you usually take. That’s your starting point. Your new mission is to increase that number by about 5 percent every week. For example, if you normally walk 3,000 steps daily, try to add 150 steps a day for the next week. You’d be surprised how motivating that little gadget can be.
Increase your speed. In addition to walking farther, try walking faster. See how long it takes you to walk a certain distance, say around the track at the high school, then try to reduce that time over the course of a few weeks.
Don’t forget to stretch, especially your quadriceps, calves, shins, and hips. And one more thing: Don’t be surprised if walking boosts your mood as well as your weight-loss efforts!

Here is a great article from www.whatoexpect.com. I recently read that people who wear pedometers tend to take a lot more steps just because they have it on! Don’t forget to stay hydrated while you walk as well. Another great idea is to get a buddy. Time flies when you are walking and talking. I also enjoy pushing the stroller, that gives me that much more “work” on my walk. Sneak in a few lunges and squats on yor walk and you get an even better workout!

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