Walking for weight loss

Picking up the pace with a power walk is not only a fantastic way to improve our cardiovascular fitness (and aid weight loss by eliminating the excess energy that tightens our trousers!), but reduce our risk of developing a multitude of medical conditions such as stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity and certain cancers (colon and breast) when performed on a regular basis - the sensory stimulation that stems from a scenic stroll also acts as a natural antidepressant to boost the brains mood, making it the perfect form of physical activity for those who are prone to mental health problems (including myself!).

Although walking is a low-impact aerobic activity that benefits the bones, muscles and joints - it can decrease the loss of bone density and aid in the improvement of arthritis associated pain - always aim to start small (and simple) by smashing your basic recommended 10,000 steps a day before building up to the tough terrain of an uphill hike.

If you're yet to be convinced by the benefits of learning to use your legs to lose weight, today's visual view (taken on this mornings hilly hike) may just tempt you into trying this free form of exercise...