Walking: Will it help you on your weight loss journey?

An example of walking in sandals. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

While some would argue that as a weight loss strategy walking does little to burn significant calories, I'd have to say they may be overlooking the big picture. The big picture is that walking should not be just about weight. It also is about improving your stamina, building your metabolism and getting your heart pumping so that in time you'll be able to do more, and that includes extra exercises that burn more calories.

We've all got to start some where and for those that are morbidly obese, walking is a great first step-no pun intended. Most people even those 100 lbs overweight can manage a short walk every day or every other day. The idea is to get started.  Small brisk walks are easier on the joints, and wont cause the same level of pain jogging, or other strenuous exercises cause and this is key. No one will keep up a regime if it hurts. Period.

So remember, starting somewhere, even short walks to the end of your neighborhood street and back is better than sitting at home and looking out the window or spending all of your free time on the internet. The worst thing you can do is settle into  a sitting routine. Whether its in front of the television set or computer, it's a bad habit, and will let the weight pile on.  So, with that, I gotta get off this computer, and go find something that keeps me moving. You do the same.  Keep on moving, and don't give up! Remember weight loss should never just be about what a scale says, it should be about health..

Related articles

• 
  Is a low carb diet enough?
• 
  The Dreaded diet Plateau
• 
  
• 
  
  
• 
  Great Low Carb Product suggestions from Product Dudz

Is the exercise and health industry forgetting the obese?

If you are over 250 lbs. you have no doubt been frustrated by the lack of exercise equipment out there that can withstand your weight capacity. A quick research over many online sites offering exercise equipment shows on average the maximum weight capacity for many exercise equipment to be no more than 250 lbs. It seems pretty clear the health and fitness industry has forgotten those who really need the most help. With so many needing exercise help, it is befuddling and amazing that more companies that manufacture equipment haven't raised the bar a little and made exercise equipment for those needing it the most. Here is a list of some exercise equipment that may be able to help if you weigh more than 250 lbs.


Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer


This item is currently offered on Amazon.com and is reasonably priced at under $90.00 While it does not say in the description of this item what the weight capacity is, research of the online customer reviews turned up that a 280 lb customer was able to use this item. What is great about this particular piece of equipment is that it is small and easy to store in sharp contrast to many other elliptical type exercise equipment. If you live in a place with limited space this item may be a perfect fit. With over 500 customer reviews giving this item a solid 4 stars out of 5, I'd say it's worth checking out. Click on the image to purchase.

Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle

 

This item also doesn't state that it has a specific weight capacity, but here again, a customer review stated weighing 400 lbs. and used this item with no problems. The Marcy magnetic recumbent exercise bike has a few features that are worth taking into consideration. The bike offers eight levels of preset resistance, an adjustable tension knob that adjusts to your personal fitness level. It has a  large console display,tracks your speed, distance, time, and calories burned which is great for those of us on a schedule. The manufacturer states the bike is comfortable and supportive, with a recumbent step through frame for easy mounting, a great feature for those of us larger than 250 lbs. The bike also sports a dismountable and adjustable seat that accommodates different body types and sizes. The recumbent frame is great for those who find most upright bikes uncomfortable to sit on and also may be a great solution for those with other physical limitations. 267 customers gave this item a solid 4 stars out of 5 rating on Amazon and at only $149.00 and free shipping it sounds like a great item for the 250lb. and over people. If you are interested in this item click on the image to be brought to the Amazon page.

Ab-Doer Twist Abdominal Trainer

 

 

This machine has a maximum weight capacity at 300 lbs. so a little better for the larger folks. The manufacturers state that you can tone muscles and receive an effective aerobic workout from a seated position with the Ab-Doer Twist. The manufacturer also claims this item is easy to use, requiring the user to just sit down on the device and your body will automatically be positioned in an anatomically correct (and stable) position.
The machine allows you to move in a swivel like motion and in so doing, helps eliminate excess fat from your abdominal muscles and your obliques while also targeting other "metabolically active" muscles in your inner and outer thighs, hips, and buttocks. Wow that sounds like it covers most problem areas.
The manufacturer also claims that  The Ab-Doer Twist's state-of-the-art torsion flex technology activates a wide range of muscles groups. Because you're properly aligned and supported with this items design, you'll use these muscles effectively, with less stress and less pain. 63 customers gave this item a 3.5 star out of a possible 5 star rating. It's cost is $135.99 and may be ideal for those that have problems standing for a long period of time. If you think this may help you at your current weight, click the link and research this possible option for exercise.