Walking is simple and easy to do and apart from a pair of comfortable shoes needs no special equipment.
Because of this simplicity sometimes people believe walking can't help to make you healthier.
These are most common myths explained.
Myth
Walking will make you hungry so you eat more than usual.
The Facts
Walking does not automatically make you hungry.
If you are overweight you won't need extra calories after a walk.
You may be more thirsty so drink plenty of water - not sweetened water or fizzy drinks.
Don't believe people if they tell you you must feel hungry after a walk and don't eat out of habit.
Myth
Only high-impact exercise such as running can help you lose weight
The Facts
Walking can help you lose weight and keep it off.
Walking is simple and uncomplicated exercise - all you need to do is build it into your lifestyle.
The recommended number of steps to walk each day for a healthy adult is 10,000.
If you are obese or overweight then you can lose weight just by walking for longer and/or more often.
Myth
If there is no Pain then there is no gain
The Facts
Not true. You do not have to come back from your walk aching and sweaty.
You are trying to raise your heartbeat gradually and put no strain on your legs and feet - for tips on how to start off walking - just click here .
Your leg muscles do not have to ache for you to have benfitted from your walking - in fact aching muscles are more likely to put you off walking. So make sure you follow a walking plan and increase your walking slowly but surely.
Myth
Walking cannot help get rid of a fat tum and bum
The Facts
If you want to lose fat from anywhere on your body including bums and tums - you need to raise your body's metabolic rate.
Walking is a good way to do this.
By raising your body's metabolic rate your body will burn excess fat storage that gives you the energy to walk.
Here are some motivational tips on walking.
