Walking For Weight Loss

ESVABelle

Okay ladies, like many of you, I'm no marathoner. Today, I did a 2 mile with the pup at a 15:00mile pace (4mph). Which is essentially a power walk with stops for potty breaks. After I dropped the dog off, I traded my jeans and Victoria Secret bra for Soffe shorts and a high-impact boob-squishing sports bra, grabbed my hand weights and was out the door again.

I ran a mile. 10:15 pace (a little less than 6mph). I'm not used to running with weights, today was the first day, so I decided to walk it out. As I was walking, I was checking out my shadow - what can I say, she's lookin' good these days. But something odd struck me today. She had nice legs, but suddenly, I didn't recognize her. She looked...pregnant?!? I freaked! Looked down.

And that's when it started. The athletic trainer in me kicked in. I started analyzing my gait. I came up with some posture must-do's while walking:

- Get a good stride, this means full heel strike, mid-foot strike, toe off

- Keep the hips in line, this is not the conga!

- Squeeze those gluts on toe off! You gotta work for that booty! It also gives you more momentum for your leg swing, which sets you up for another strong heel strike

- Keep your spine straight, get your back up!

- Put your shoulders back! There is no reason to be hunched over when walking. You are not Quasi Modo.

- Most of all - chin up! This is for YOU!

Walk like you are strutting your stuff. With confidence, grace, posture and poise. And sweat. That's the important ingredient :-D