By Scott Edwards

The amount of regular exercise that we take will significantly affect how quickly we lose weight when we're on a diet. Many would prefer not to exercise, but the rewards are worth it. Exercising not only uses up calories, it also develops muscle.

Muscle has a higher metabolic rate than fat. This means it will burn up more calories than fat, which is a good thing. The more muscle we have, the more calories we burn. Also when we build muscle we start to see better defined thighs and abs.

It may take time to build up a routine. It's often easier to get the exercise habit going by being more active in your day to day life. Climb steps rather than taking an elevator whenever possible. If you drive to your job, leave your car at the other end of the parking bay. Get off the bus sooner than you normally do - you'll quickly get used to the daily mini-hike!

Your goal should be to take some form of exercise five times a week. You can do short bursts of exercise, but 30 minutes or more is generally thought to be best. Doing a variety of exercises will relieve the boredom. That way you're much more likely to stick with it.

Getting fit and more toned doesn't have to be painful. Team up with someone else and make your exercise routine fun. Several times a week, get outdoors and go for a walk. Brisk walking on a regular basis can do much more for us than weight loss alone.

Your chances of having a stroke or heart problems will reduce if you become more active. Cancer of the colon is minimised too. We can lower our cholesterol and our chances of getting type two diabetes. We're also likely to maintain a more stable mental attitude and find sleeping easier at night. All of which illustrates great reasons to get yourself going!

Choose some easy to wear clothing for walking. It's best to wear several thin layers that can be taken off if necessary, or all left on for greater warmth. It's important to try shoes or boots on before you decide to buy. Your toes should be able to move freely around, but the rest of your foot should be held firm.

At the start of each walk, run through a quick check on your posture. Distribute your weight evenly, and tuck your tummy in. Relax and drop your shoulders down. Warm yourself up properly before you start your walk. This can be done with some stretches, rolling of shoulders and squats. Then finish the warm-up by marching on the spot.

Make a conscious effort to have the correct posture throughout your walk - remember the aim is to get fit and redefine your body shape. When you've finished your walk, let your muscles 'warm-down' with a bit more stretching and squatting. You're more likely to stick with the program if you start small and build up. Don't attempt a ten mile hike on day one! It may be advisable to speak to a training instructor before embarking on an exercise program.

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