As children, one of the first exercises we learned how to do was walking. While it may seem like an elementary form of exercise, walking can do wonders for the heart, the circulatory system, and our legs. Walking can also be instrumental in helping individuals to lose weight.

Medical experts say the important thing to keep in mind when starting a walking program is distance rather than time. In essence, it doesn’t matter how long it takes you to complete a mile—the important thing is to do it. If you hope to burn off two pounds a week, you will need to walk enough to burn about 3500 calories. If you weigh 160 pounds and you are walking at a rate of two miles per hour, you can burn as many as 105 calories.

A helpful technique when beginning a walking program is to build up your leg muscles so that you are able to burn additional calories. If you can, try to race-walk. Your goal should be to finish a mile in 13 minutes. Another technique you can use is by adding weights to your walking routine. For instance, you can pack eight pound weights into a backpack and wear it as you walk.

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