this wayWalk

Think that walking doesn’t burn enough calories to result in weight loss? Think again!

Hardcore runners might turn their noses up at walking, but studies show

that it’s just as good for you as running. It lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and abdominal fat—and let’s face it, we’re more likely to stick to walking than running. These tips are a step in the right direction…

• Perfect your posture. It’ll help you

burn more calories and reduce discomfort. 1. Stand up tall with your breastbone

lifted to allow your lungs to expand fully. 2. Roll your feet from heel to toe. As you

speed up, take smaller, quicker steps. You’ll protect your knees and tone your behind.

3. Pull in your tummy and flatten your

back as you walk to prevent back pain.

• No pain, no gain. Walk at a pace that

has you breathing heavily but able to talk. Aim for 30 minutes, five days a week—but don’t worry if you don’t reach that goal straight away. Start by walking for as far as you feel comfortable, then increase it by ten per cent each week.

• Use a pedometer. US research found

that people who wore a pedometer automatically increased the number of steps they took per day.

• Pump up the volume. Listening to

music as you walk takes your mind off fatigue. A study in Chest journal of people with respiratory disease found that those

Fast fact Being a working mum is good for your health.

Studies found that working mums were 15 per cent less likely to be obese by their fifties than stay-at-home mums.

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