Did you know that walking can help you burn about 4 calories per minute?Well its true,recent studies show that 150 minutes of walking per week is all you need to whip yourself into summertime shape in no time. Burn more calories by trying these power walking routines with a few of my favorite toning exercises three times a week and watch the winter flab melt away..
1. 15 min Lunch Break Quickie
A steady 15 minute stroll at lunch time can burn up to 50 extra calories a day. Try calling in your order to a restaurant a 1/2 mile away from your work place.Don't stop for any red lights, instead walk in place until the light changes.If you do this most weekdays you'll rack up about an hour of exercise per week with very little effort.
2. 30 min De-Stresser
A 1/2 hour to 40 minute stroll is a great de-stresser.Try downloading an hour or so of your favorite songs to your ipod and walk at a nice steady pace without thinking about your problems and instantly feel your stress melt away.
3. 30 minute butt firmer and burner
30 minutes of over exaggerated stride lengths forces your butt and quads to work harder. To rev your power walk up alternate a moderate walking pace with an exaggerated stride or lunge for one minute at a time.Also try alternating 40 moderate walking strides with 40 steps of jogging and 40 paces of a sprint for 7 minutes. Walk briskly for the last 3 minutes as your cool down. You can repeat any or all steps if you have time.
4. All Over Toning Exercises
This is a great combination of toning exercises to try.I love these moves because they are fairly simple to perform and pack a major punch when it comes to getting the " beach body " results we are all after in a short amount of time. In 3-4 weeks of these toning exercises you will not only feel the difference but you will SEE the difference.
1. Ballet Combo
This combo is good for just after your power walk routine for at least 3 days a week.The Ballet Combo targets your inner thighs,butt and hamstrings.
Stand with your feet together,toes slightly turned out,arms by your sides. Step your left foot out to the side so that your feet are no wider than shoulder length apart and toes are turned out. Lower yourself into a plie` squat bring your arms to the side at chest/shoulder level.Step your right leg next to the left leg and rise tall to your tippy toes, squeeze your legs together from heel to hip to work your inner thighs bring your hands to touch in front of your chest. Lower your heels and repeat in the opposite direction stepping out with your right foot to complete the exercise. Do 2 sets of 10 reps.
