Walking workouts
I'm so proud of Johna! She's such an inspiration to those of us whose 'get up and go'... got up and went! Way to go, sister!
I'm no "boot camper," but I have been trying to get out the door and walk. I don't mean saunter! I mean HOOF IT! Work up a sweat... but without the side stiches and shin splints associated with running or an intense aerobics routine.
Here are a few tips for those of us just getting started...
(And I say these things to myself as much as I do to anyone else!)
** Don't overdo it. You didn't gain weight overnight. You won't lose it in one workout.
** Get good shoes. If you don't have a good pair of tennies... Get 'em!
** Music helps you keep moving. Find a good rhythm that keeps your stride alive and your mood up.
** Remember to warm up AND cool down. Both are just as important as your core workout.
Speaking of music... If you happen to have an iPod, there are a few things you can download to help you get moving... and stay on course.
Some are free, some are not, but here are some we like:
** FREE: Prevention Magazine's Walking Programs: Interval Walks for All Levels
** $ Shape Magazine Walk ($7.99)
** $ Kathy Smith Lean Walk ($7.99)
** $ iMix: Excellent music to walk to (Disco! 9 songs... 99 cents each - except one that forces you to get the album. Grrr.)
** $ Dance Mix (several at $7.99)
** FREE: PODRUNNER: Exercise for running, spinning or any fast-paced workout
** FREE: ExerciseRadio.com
** FREE: fitPod.com fitMix Archives
** FREE: Workout on the Web - video podcasts how-tos
** FREE: My Free Trainer - podcast how-tos for working out with weights
It's funny that I'm blogging on this! I opened my Prevention magazine last month and found a page dedicated to getting us to "Download some inspiration."
Here are their picks:
** $ Cardio Coach ($1 and up)
** $ Trainer on Call ($20 a month)
** FREE - Walking Buddy
The advantage to the Prevention or other true "walking workouts" is that it's almost like having your own personal trainer along on your workout. Just when you're feeling out of breath and you don't think you can make it another block, a friendly voice comes on reminding you how to breathe, how to adjust your posture or just pumps you up. (I like that part!)
So... if you're committed in your mind to getting healthy and losing weight, this might be a way to actually get moving without risking injury, embarassment or disappointment.
Hey! It's just walking, right? Good luck!
(Wish me luck, too!)
PS- Do you have any motivating tips or favorite music downloads? Share them!
Comments
Aw, thanks Katharyn. I'm amazed when anyone says that I inspire them....that's great and I hope anyone reading this is inspired and will also motivate me to keep it going! I'm 38 and have two kids and I want to be healthy for them for as long as is possible!
Posted by: Johna | May 8, 2007 10:31 PM
2005 Musical Health & Fitness Podcast Winner, MARINA.....mother of 3 who lost 100 pounds has written and produced over 400 fitness programs for the Ipod with all original music brought to you by MARINA & Kamen Entertainment Group, Inc NYC
check them out....
Posted by: roy Kamen | May 29, 2007 03:19 PM