Increasing your daily physical activity is essential for losing weight. One of the easiest and most economical ways to be more active is to walk whenever you can. Walking increases your metabolism, the method your body uses to lose weight. Regular walking also tones the body, improves sleep and increases endorphins.

It’s easy to add more walking into your daily routine. Why not:

•  Park your car further away from your destination.
•  Begin a lunch time walking program at work.
•  Get a walking buddy, ask your neighbors. 
•  Wear a step counter, aim for over 10 000 steps per day
•  Join a learn to run/walk program
•  Buy a walking club membership at your local walking track

To increase fat loss it is important to walk the right way. Bend your arms at a 90 degree angle and swing them back and forth, not side to side. Aim to move your hips back and forth, not side to side. Make sure your heels hit the ground first. Keep your shoulders down and your chin up as you walk. Bend your knees slightly and keep your abdominal muscles tight and pressed into your back.

It is best to exercise first thing in the morning. When you wake up to exercise,  you usually have a much healthier day! Also being active in the morning increases overall calories burned during the day. It is ok to walk in the evenings too, whenever you can fit it in! Aim to walk for at least 1/2 hour to increase fat loss.

Don't be a couch potato, get up and get active! Regular physical activity just feels right and promotes extra weight loss. The key with exercise is to be consistant, especially when it comes to walking. Wether it's indoors or outside, walking is a simple for of activity for the young and old alike. So encourage others to be active with you and go for a walk!