Walking

Walking improves fitness, improves mood, creates less stress on joints and reduces pain.

Walking is also a great form of physical activity for people who are overweight, elderly, or who haven’t exercised in a long time.Walking is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. Physical activity does not have to be vigorous or done for long periods in order to improve your health.Walking is low impact, requires minimal equipment, can be done at any time of day and can be performed at your own pace. Because walking is less intensive than running, you have to walk for longer periods, get out more often, or both to match the benefits of running. 

One of the most powerful ways to lose weight, stay healthy, and live longer is so shockingly simple, even a toddler can do it. All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other… and then keep going, preferably for at least 30 minutes a day, says Melina B. Jampolis, M.D., author of The Doctor on Demand Diet.

Preventive Measures for Walking:

• Walk in areas designated for pedestrians. Look for well-lit areas if possible.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and appropriate footwear to avoid blisters.
• Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, long sleeves and a hat to avoid sunburn.
• Take waterproof clothing to avoid getting wet if it rains.
• Drink plenty of fluids before and after your walk. If you are taking a long walk, take water with you.
• See your doctor for a medical check-up before starting a new fitness program, particularly if you are aged over 40 years, are overweight or haven’t exercised in a long time.

Health Benefits of Walking: 

• Walking wards off heart disease, brings up the heart rate, lowers blood pressure and strengthens the heart.
• Walking tones your leg and abdominal muscles – and even arm muscles if you pump them as you walk.
• When walking, your breathing rate increases, causing oxygen to travel faster through bloodstream, helping to eliminate waste products and improve your energy level and the ability to heal.
• Walking improves management of conditions such as, high cholesterol, joint and muscular pain or stiffness, and diabetes.