Spot Toning

Walking is one of the easiest ways you can tone your body. We all walk every day, and unlike a lot of exercises you don’t need any special space or equipment to do it. But there are a few things you can do to get the most benefit out of your walking.

1. Try to walk as fast as you comfortably can. If it takes you 12-15 minutes to cover a mile, you will burn twice as many calories conmpared to taking 20 minutes to walk the mile. Of course you may not be able to walk this fast at the begininng. But as you get fitter, try mixing up the speed you walk (so you walk fast for a short time, then at your normal pace for a short time). Gradually increase the length of time you walk at the fast pace, and soon you’ll be covering most of your walk at the faster pace. If you’re keen, keep track of your heart rate to ensure that you’re working hard enough to get all the aerobic benefits walking has to offer.

2. Mix up your walking program by taking a hike. The walk over hilly terrain helps you burn extra calories (not to mention helps shape your butt and thighs). As an added bonus you have the relaxation of being a part of nature, which is a lot more interesting and enjoyable than traversing through a cement jungle full of suits and skirts!

3. The great thing about walking is you can do it whenever you list - so make sure you do! Leave your car at home and hoof it to the train station (or park several blocks away). Take a walk during your lunch break - if you buy your lunch, check out the shops several blocks. Instead of using a lift or automatic walking belt, walk normally. Surprisingly. sometimes you actually save time by walking. Several years ago, a New York City newspaper timed a walker, a bus, and a subway over some common rush-hour routes. In almost every case the walker reached his destination faster than mass transit, and in a few cases by more than 10 minutes!