It is well understood that walking can improve your health. Walking has the lowest impact on bones and joints while being a great form of mild to moderate physical activity. It is one of the least expensive and easiest ways to get and stay fit. Did you know ….
- Walking three hours a week can reduce your risk of heart attack and other coronary illnesses by 35%.
- Walking at a moderate pace for 30-60 minutes burns stored fat and can build muscle to speed up your metabolism.
- Walking is effective in decreasing the rate and risk of bone loss in your legs.
- Walking for 150 minutes per week and losing 7% of your body can reduce your risk of diabetes by 58%.
- Walking can improve your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and blood lipid profile.
Getting started with a walking routine is very simple. It is important to invest in a good shoe. As this is your only expense, it is important to purchase a properly fitting pair of good quality shoes. A pedometer is another purchase that’s a great way to track your steps and monitor your progress. Before each walking session, it is a good idea to stretch and warm up your muscles. Try beginning your exercise slowly, gradually increasing time and intensity to allow your body time to adjust. It is important to walk at a pace that is comfortable yet challenging. Monitor your heart rate and breathing and be sure to stop and rest if you do not feel well. Beware of warning signs such as chest and arm pain, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Lastly, drink plenty of water per day to replace lost fluids. Following these recommendations, it’s no wonder walking is an easy way to boost your health.
