Walking is often considered the most accessible form of exercise. Why? Because you can do it anywhere and all you need is a good pair of shoes!
You may be surprised to learn the many benefits of walking! Find a local walking club or 5k/3k event in your area to kick-start your fitness plan.
Healthy Tips: Be sure to warm up and cool down after a walk.
Walking is considered exercise.
Walking just three times a week for 30 minutes can significantly increase cardiopulmonary fitness.
Just make sure to pick up the pace to get your heart rate up, too!
Walking is inexpensive.
If you decide to start a walking exercise program, all you need is a good pair of shoes! Walking can be done anywhere: outside, inside or even at the mall.
If you walk outside, the fresh air and vitamin D can also help you relax and help improve your mood.
Healthy Tips: Shoes should be replaced every 6 months or 400 miles.
Prevent pain and injury.
You might think getting more active can lead to more injuries, but it is just the opposite! Being active helps strengthen your muscles, bones and joints and can help you reduce pain. Walking for exercise poses minimal risk to joints, like knees, hips and the lumbar spine.
This means that your body can still get a good workout without doing damage to joints. In addition, being active can help improve muscle flexibility and reduce those minor aches and pains.
Walking does a body good.
Walking regularly as exercise has been medically shown to help prevent or reduce the symptoms of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.
Healthy Tips: Walking with a friend is a great way to make it a habit.
Improved Sleep
Being active during the day can help your body become more restful at night.
After a good workout, your body needs to rest and recover, which can often mean a better night’s rest.
Kick-start a healthy lifestyle.
Often, the first step to a healthy lifestyle is getting out and getting active!
Walking regularly will help build your appetite, so fill up on healthy vegetables, protein and fruit and start a new healthy lifestyle!
Healthy Tips: Exercise and a good diet can help you gain more energy!
DISCLAIMER:
This material is presented for informational and educational purposes only. This information does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider before beginning any exercise program. If you experience any pain or difficulty with these exercises, stop and consult your health care provider. WE MAKE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE MATERIALS WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS.
