Let's Get Moving !

Only two weeks into the Weight Watchers program and I have lost almost 7 pounds. It has been a great experience for me so far, and I feel great things coming in the future. My buddah belly is shrinking daily and I have not felt this good about myself in a long time.

The next phase in my Weight Watcher experience is the week three "Move More" phase. I am looking forward to this phase. Historically I am a very active person, enjoying walking, gardening, roller blading, skiing, and hiking among other activites. I played soccer in high school and college (Texas Tech University) so I am very experienced in working out.

Unfortunately I have been unable to workout much over the past couple of years due to a string of injuries. I'm finally off the shelf and my "recovery" could not have come at a better time. Fitness experts all recommend starting out slowly with any new exercise program. Also it is a good idea to discuss your plans with your Doctor if you have any health-related concerns.

In this regard I recommend walking as a great starting point for your exercise program. In as little as 30 minutes a day you can do tremendous good by walking. If you have access to hilly (not super steep) roads or other terrain that will add to the benefits.

First and foremost I recommend investing in a decent pair of walking or cross-training shoes. Most cities have places like FootLocker or other sports stores that carry a good selection of shoes. Ask the salesperson to recommend a good brand and style for you. Make sure they have good support, and are comfortable. At the same time, get some good socks to wear with them.

I also recommend investing in a pedometer. For those of you unfamiliar with that term, a pedometer is simply a small device worn at the waist that counts your steps. The pedometer will run 10-20 dollars depending on the features included. The reason a pedometer is needed is to keep track of how much walking you have done in the course of a day. A common goal of walkers is to accumulate 10,000 steps each day. That sounds like quite a bit, but is actually not too difficult to achieve with a little effort.

Make a point to incorporate a walk (or walks) in to your daily routine. For myself, working in a cubicle all day, I look forward to my two daily 15 minute breaks. I go outside, (or use the halls during bad weather) and just go for it. The combination of fresh air and walking clear the mind as well as lift the spirits. For added benefit, make sure you breathe deeply and swing your arms. It might look dorky but hey, it works.

Having a partner to walk regularly with you is also fantastic. We all have our "blah" days when the couch looks like nirvana. A walking partner can get you up and motivated. I promise you this, I have never felt bad after a nice walk. Your blood gets moving, you get to smell the flowers on a spring day, and you'll see things you never knew existed in your neighborhood from the vantage point of your car.

So fellow Weight Watchers (and everyone else) let's get MOVING !

Dave