In my ongoing quest to lose weigh I have joined Curves for Women. I love it and it only takes up 30 minutes of my day. I really enjoyed it during the summer months. My problem now, however, since school has resumed is getting to Curves to work out. You see I have a teenage daughter who works after school and takes my car to work leaving me car-less! I have decided to take up walking. I am fortunate to live out in the country with plenty of walk space around me. Walking is the only form of exercise that naturally requires no equipment, hence no expense.

There are many great benefits to walking:
* for pleasure
* tension relieve
* experience solitude
* good exercise
* great for your health

Advantages to walking include almost everyone can do it, you can do it almost everywhere, at anytime and remember it’s free.

You should always warm up before you start your walk. To get results from your walking, you should walk briskly enough to get your heart to beat faster. You can test yourself with the “conservation test”. You should be able to carry on a conversation while walking. If you are too breathless to talk, you' re going too fast. Remember to keep your back straight and your abdomen flat and wear a good pair of sneakers with good support. Keep your toes pointed straight forward.

Now that you are ready, you may ask yourself how long do I walk? You should begin with about 15-20 minutes per day four or five times a week. As you get stronger you can increase your walk to about 30 minutes making your goal 45 minutes per day.

Don’t forget to take in the scenery and/or use this time to reflect on your day. Best of luck with your exercise program whatever it may be. If you want to lose weigh, check out the different types of diets available below.
As always, enjoy life to the fullest!
Janie Garza-Resendez

Diets, Diets, Diets:
There are so many diets to consider when you make the decision to lose weight. I am researching several of these for you and will post all of my finding here.

The Atkins diet plan was introduced by Dr. Atkins as a high protein, low dietary carbohydrates plan in the 1970's. The Atkin plans increases protein intake,but pastas, potatoes, processed flours and sugars are out. Eat all the lean meats and fish you want. When the Atkins plan is followed many times you will get rapid results, the treat however, is to maintain a consistent weight once you have reached your desired weight.

The Zone Diet focuses on eating lean proteins and natural carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables. This plan requires monitoring the intake of carbohydrates and relies on lean protein consumption.

So, You've Made your NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION TO LOSE WEIGHT. Click here

Did you miss any of the past articles?

Staying Fit:January 2001

Classroom Workout:February 2001

What is it That Makes Us Fat?

Supersize and Lose

Fitday.com

If you have any ideas on staying fit, which have worked for you, and you would like to contribute them please submit them to: jresendez@teacherszine.com