Walking is Good for More Than Just Exercise

Walking for exercise is just one of the reasons to start a walking program.  Walking, in fact, can change your life in many positive ways.

1. Walk To Lose Weight:  Walking is a fantastic low impact exercise which works major muscle groups, raises your hear trate, burns calories and can be an effective part of your weight loss plan. Plus, walking has 1/3 of the impact running has on your joints. Thirty to 60 minutes of walking every day (which can be broken up into increments if needed) on most days of the week is a great weight loss exercise regime.  Walking burns 250 – 600 calories per hour depending on your weight and how fast you are walking. Choose a brisk pace for best results.

2.  Walk To Decrease Stress:  Walking can be as relaxing as yoga.  Take a stroll at any pace you choose.  Couple it will deep breathing exercises for maximum stress relief.  Breath in slowly and deeply through your nose and exhale slowly and steadily out pursed lips.  Let your mind leave the stressors of your life behind for the moment and feel the tension melt away.

3. Walk for Better Posture:  Posture is an important aspect to walking.  Attention to posture improves your gait, decreases stress on your joints and helps you to breath easier and more effectively.  Here are some tips to practice good walking posture:

• Stand straight and tall.
• keep your shoulders down and relaxed.
• Keep your chin up and keep your eyes focused forward so your head is not bending down.
• Do not arch your back and conversely, do not lean forward.

Practice good posture during your walks and it will carry over into your every day life.

4. Walk for Your Memory and Mental Function: Studies show that people who walk have better blood flow to the brain and better memory because of it.

5. Walk for better health:  As you can see, walking for exercise is healthy for your body, your mind, and your soul. It is an aerobic exercise that improves the function of both your heart and lungs. If you begin a walking program that includes a daily plan it will help lower your risk of heart disease. Routine programs can decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, tone your muscles, improve your posture, and relieve your stress. These are good reasons to don your walking shoes and high-tail it to the streets.

Try to get at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week.  Moderate exercise in your walking program means a brisk walk for 1.5-3 miles per day at a rate of 3-4 miles per hour.  Start walking 10-15 minutes per day and work up to 30 minutes per day.  You don’t have to do it all all in 30 minutes.  Studies show it is just as effective to break your exercise into 3 10-minute increments or 2 15-minute increments.  Walking for exercise is just one of the many reasons to take on a daily walking program.  The benefits of walking truly meet the needs of your body, mind and soul.  See ya on the trail!