Summer Slim Down: Put One Foot in Front of the Other!

Part One: Covering the Basics

• Straighten Up!

  Make sure to monitor your posture as you are walking. Some of us tend to curve our backs or lean forward a bit when we walk and don't even notice it. Pay attention to how your body is aligned. Don't allow yourself to sway back and forth either. If you find that you do lean back slightly to keep your pace going, just make sure you are not bending at the waist because that will cause added strain to your back (which equals more soreness the next day). The easiest and best way to keep great walking posture is to imagine there is a straight line or a string going from your head to your shoulders all the way down to your ankles that must remain straight and tight at all times.

• Look Ahead

  Another pointer to keep in mind is to always look straight ahead of you. This is noticeably easier-to-do when you've got a lovely view, so be sure to try different routes until you find one that keeps you inspired. Look up and out at all times, not down at your feet, or at the path or road in front of you. (Doing so will definitely get your shoulders back into a curved position.)

  Focus on something in the distance and make it your next marker. If you're getting tired, tell yourself if you just make it to (fill in the blank: the lamppost, the stop sign, etc.) then you can quit. Chances are you'll get a second wind when you get there!

• Abs? What Abs?

  Believe you me, I've been there... an exercise instructor tells you to suck in your abs and you think, "How? I can't even feel them!". She says, just pull in your stomach muscles, and you wonder, "Is it possible I have no stomach muscles?!" ;-) ...

  But no matter how much we want to kvetch, it really does make a difference if you suck in those abs when you work out, and that includes walking. Not only does it help your tum tum, but it will also help keep your posture on the level. The old adage is that you are aiming to pull your belly button into your spine. Even if you can't feel it happening, just like all aspects of exercise, the important part is to at least try!