Maria Presents ‘Walking for Weight Loss’

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Maria Alexander, TOPS Area Captain

Maria Alexander, TOPS Area Captain

About Maria
At our Jan. 30, 2014, meeting, we were joined by our Area Captain, Maria Alexander. For those of you who don’t know Maria, she is the Area Captain for Garfield, Kay, Kingfisher, Logan, Pawnee & Payne counties. She has been a TOPS member for 12 years and achieved KOPS status in December of 2011. We were glad to have you visit our chapter, Maria, and appreciate all your hard work!

Note to readers: At the meeting, every time Maria said “exercise” we marched in place 5 steps.   Thus, to keep in the spirit of the program, every time you read the word “exercise” march in place 5 steps. At the conclusion of the article, I’ll tell you how many extra steps you’ve taken.
A Little Exercise Each Day Goes a Long Way
Maria presented “Walking for Weight Loss.” She shared the story of one member, Beverly, who lost 200 pounds by walking. She did it by walking a little more each day and eventually began competing in 5K races.

Walking is something everyone can do.
–Beverly, TOPS member

Maria tells about 'Walking for Weight Loss'

Maria tells about ‘Walking for Weight Loss’

Walking is Good for the Mind and Body
As you may know, exercise has many health benefits. Exercise combats obesity, heart disease, levels blood glucose, and lowers cholesterol and triglycerides. But, did you know that exercise has positive effects on your mental health? Exercise increases the production of serotonin and other endorphins, which improves your mood and combats depression. In addition, exercise increases relaxation, which is also good for both mind and body. Reduced appetite and increased motivation to lose weight are other benefits of exercise. Exercisers have also been shown to have a longer life than non-exercisers.

If the Shoe Fits…
Shoes are the only equipment needed for walking, but wearing a good pair of athletic shoes is important. Shoes, when worn regularly for walking, should be replaced every 4-6 months. When buying a walking shoe, keep the following 3 criteria in mind: comfort, support, and reduced impact. Your entire body will benefit from shoes that perform well in all three areas.
Ready…Set…Walk!
zeus leashMy dog, Zeus, is ready to exercise. Are you?

Congratulations, readers! You have added 60 steps to your total today.

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Jana

About Jana

I didn't know how much I loved dogs until I brought home my first Miniature Pinscher, Zeus, more than a decade ago. I fell in love with him the minute I laid eyes on him. Even though Zeus is now waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge, I think of him often. Currently, I have two Min Pins, Athena and Nano, who bring love, joy, and lots of energy into our home. My dogs are a big part of my life and are very special to me. I don’t think the human-dog relationship is comparable to any other. Every day is a journey as I learn from them and vice versa. Jana Comer has an M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In addition, she is an avid reader of scientific literature and is especially interested in the evolution of dogs, dog genetics, and dog behavior.

4 thoughts on “Maria Presents ‘Walking for Weight Loss’”

  3. Boomer Lake…like Maxi…when it is warm!! Lowes when it is cold? Wow! Do they let you do that? Where do you walk?

    I do have access to the Colvin Center. There’s an indoor walking path. I’ve never used it. I had been get acquainted with it!

  4. In Lowes I just walk up and down the isles. One lap, walking up and down every isle , including the garden center, equals almost a mile. I have tried walking in WalMart also, but there I get distracted and have to stop and look at things. I have never asked permission, but I can’t imagine them complaining. If they do I guess that I will just have to beg forgiveness.

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