Get Fit While Walking At Work

Walking is fantastic exercise. It is one of the easiest forms of exercise in that you do not need any additional equipment, fancy gym memberships, or special clothes to do it. Another great aspect of walking is that anyone of any fitness level can do it. Even the most out of shape person can get started on a fitness plan that includes daily walking, and slowly increase the distance until they are where they want to be.

The biggest difficulty walkers have is how to fit the time to exercise into their busy schedules. The beauty of walking is that you can even fit a workout into your routine by walking at work.

If you are thinking about beginning a work walking routine here are a few tips that can get you started off on the right foot:

• Wear a pedometer. These handy little gadgets are available at most local stores in the fitness or sporting areas. They are inexpensive ways to keep track of your mileage. Follow the device's setup instructions and hook it to your belt for a few days to see just how much walking you already do at work. You might be surprised at the mileage you put in just under normal work circumstances.

• Take a break on your feet. When break time rolls around use it to take a quick walk around the building, the block, or up and down the street where your business is located. Why waste time at the water cooler gossiping, when you could be burning off calories by walking at work?

• Walk at lunch. It is a great way to cut down on calories too. Instead of sitting around for your full lunch break and possibly adding additional food to your plate that you do not need; eat light and go walking.

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator. That is common advice, but great advice. Nothing will tighten up your calves, thighs, and buttocks better than a built-in workplace stair master will.

• If you live close enough, walk to work. Leave the car in the driveway and put on your walking shoes instead. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time so you can relax during your walk, allowing you to be mentally ready for your day. Walking home again is a great stress reliever to get rid of the tensions of work before you greet your family.

• Don't pick the closest parking spot. Extra steps from the car to the door of your workplace all add up. Even if you live far away from work, you can still fit in some extra walking by parking as far away from the building as possible.

• The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, but you can get in more steps walking at work if you pick longer paths from point "A" to point "B." Don't economize on your duties either. You'll put in more miles if you make extra trips and do separate duties individually instead of doing several at one time.

Walking does not have to be fast to be effective. Even if the best you can manage is a slow shuffle, that's ok. The more you move, the better your metabolism will be, the stronger you will become, and the longer you will be able to walk. As your strength improves so will your stamina and ability.