If, like many people, you would like to lose weight and get into better shape, then it really is quite simple (and achievable). In order to lose weight you must consume fewer calories by eating and drinking than you burn off as a result of physical activity. If you consistently burn off more calories than you consume over a period of time then you will lose weight. There is no magic formula, health supplement or pill that will change that.

Basically, if you want to lose weight, then you need to eat and drink less (diet), burn more calories (exercise) – or both. In fact, the best solution is very definitely to do both simultaneously. Taking regular exercise will increase your metabolic rate – the rate at which you burn calories. As long as you exercise on a regular basis then you will burn calories at a greater rate when you’re not exercising, for example sitting watching the TV, typing on your computer or even sleeping.

For may people the very thought of taking exercise conjures up unpleasant and unattractive images – but there’s really no reason to shy away from exercise – it needn’t mean that you have to get all hot, sweaty and out of breath. Walking is a form of exercise that we all do every day – to some extent at least – and it’s also one of the best exercises that you can take.

Current medical advice suggests that we should all be trying to take around 10,000 steps on a daily basis. That’s equivalent to a distance of somewhere between four and a half and five miles for most people. It sounds like a long way – but you will probably be pleasantly surprised at how achievable it actually is. After all, you’re not starting from scratch. Those 10,000 steps include the normal walking that you would be doing every day anyway.

Leave the car in the garage and walk to work or the shops now and again – or get off the bus one or two stops before you reach your final destination and complete the last leg of your journey on foot. If the distances involved are too far to walk then don’t feel guilty – take the car anyway. Just park it in a faraway corner of the parking lot so that you need to walk further to get to the entrance. Forget the lift and take the stairs. Take advantage of modern technology and pace around when you’re talking on your mobile or cordless phone. Go for a quick walk around the block at lunchtime. All of these small changes soon add up.

A good pair of comfortable shoes are all you need to get started with a walking exercise program – no other equipment is required. However, you might find a pedometer to be a worthwhile investment – especially if most of your walking is divided into short sessions throughout the day. It will record and monitor your progress in terms of the number of steps taken, the number of calories burned and the distance covered – whichever interests you most. This should help you to stay motivated.

If you are able to fit longer walks into your day then you might also want to think about getting an mp3 player if you don’t already have one. Listening to your favourite music as you walk along will make both the miles and the time fly by much more quickly.

Check out Fit flops fitness shoes. They are specially designed to help to raise the effectiveness of your walking to lose weight exercise program.