We've got to increase our activity level if we want to become a Slimmer You and keep the pounds off permanently. Walking is my number one recommendation for increasing your activity level. There are other more subtle ways to increase your activity level. I'm not talking about joining a high impact aerobics class or jumping out of bed and doing 200 push-ups as my son the Army captain does. Start with simple things at first, such as parking at the far end of the parking lot instead of sitting comfortably behind the wheel of your car circling around for twenty minutes waiting to park as close to the entrance as possible. Try taking the stairs once in a while instead of the elevator or escalator.
My sister works on the fifth floor at a California hospital. She always takes the stairs. She uses the stairs when she arrives at work, when she takes a lunch break, and whenever she runs errands. She didn't just start doing that as part of an exercise program. She has always taken the stairs. She has never had a real weight problem. If her weight ever goes up five or ten pounds, it comes right back off quickly. Her and her husband also take a class in country line dancing and she plays women's softball.
I'm telling you all this because I'm trying to impress upon you the need for physical activity. It doesn't have to be boring. Make it fun. Find an exercise that you like. Once you get involved in some sort of activity you really enjoy, you won't quit so easily. You'll look forward to it. My husband and me like to play handball. Him and my grandson like to go swimming together. Exercise does a lot more than just burn calories. Exercise increases your metabolic rate, strengthens your musculoskeletal system, improves your circulatory system, helps you to sleep better, and alleviates stress. What I really want to talk about though is walking...walking...walking.
Getting right to the point - you should walk no less than thirty minutes per day four times each week. That's 30 minutes each day 4 times each week. Fitness gurus recommend any aerobic activity for twenty minutes each day, three times each week. Possibly that is a good recommendation for those who want cardiovascular fitness. But we are talking about weight loss here.
To reiterate - you should walk no less than 30 minutes each day 4 times each week. Forty minutes five times each week would be better. Your ultimate goal should be one hour six times each week. Don't set your aim that high at first. Gradually work up to the ultimate goal. Don't set yourself up for a let down. For now, set your sight on walking thirty minutes, four times each week.

30 minutes each day, 4 times each week

You might be thinking to yourself, "She sure repeats herself a lot." I repeat the formula of walking thirty minutes each day, four times each week because I want you to get it. I want it to sink in to your subconscious.

About the Author
Writing health and weight loss articles for over twenty years, Bette has become an author in demand.

Bette is a Certified Medical Assistant and Natural Health Consultant with special studies in Nutrition. For more information on walking, fitness walking, racewalking, and hiking, visit http://www.slimmer-fitness.com/walking.html