Hello Everybody,
If you are walking to lose weight establishing a routine can be difficult. There is always too little time and the best of intentions may not be fulfilled. Finding a walking buddy is a good way of motivating yourself and getting out on a regular basis. Another way is to join a club. Most towns and cities have walking clubs and they are all delighted to have new members. It is, of course, safer to walk in a group and you can choose your own level of participation. Some will want to do short walks, others more demanding hikes. Join a club that suits you and you will find like minded people to help you along the way.
Each trip has a leader who will introduce you to other members and make sure you are getting along well. The leader will also be a fund of local knowledge and will know all the best walks and the best and cheapest places to buy new gear.
How often a group meets depends on the group, some as often as three times a week others at weekends only. Just choose what is the best for you. You will meet people of all ages and social backgrounds coming together because of their shared love of walking and the outdoors. Many you would never come in contact with in your normal everyday life. Meeting new people can be one of the great benefits of joining a group.
It is a good idea to conform to the general etiquette of your group. This may vary from a relaxed to a more structured approach. All that is needed is basic good manners and thoughtfulness for other people.
Turn up on time. There is nothing worse than keeping a group waiting. Some people think bad time keeping is cute. It is not, just bad mannered. If you are stuck in traffic you probably didn’t allow enough time to reach the venue. If you are likely to be late let people know. A real emergency is forgiven, regular lateness is not.
Switch off mobiles. Do take a mobile phone for emergencies, but switch it off when you are with others. People walk as a change from their normal way of life. Ring tones and protracted conversations will not endear yourself to fellow walkers.
Listen and learn. It is likely that people in the group have been walking longer than you have. They will be happy to give you help and encouragement. Show your appreciation.
No politics or religion. It is good manners at first to avoid controversial subjects. Just relax and enjoy your walk together.
That is all there is to it. Particularly if you live alone you will find your walking group a source of friendship and support. It will also encourage you to make a regular commitment to a walking for weight loss program.
On the days when your walking group does not meet do try to keep up with your exercise. You can walk by yourself or with a friend. Maybe somebody you have met in your group.
Try and get some exercise every day. There will be times when the weather is just too bad to go out, so remember every piece of exercise counts. Take short bursts; vigorous house cleaning, climbing the stairs briskly, even run up and down them several times. Burn off as many calories as you can until the weather changes and you are back to your walking fitness program again.
See you soon,
Peter Stockwell
2 November 2009
photo. freefoto
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