Many people shy away from exercise as they imagine that it will be too taxing for them. It’s as if they think that they need to already be fit before they can get in shape. It’s hardly surprising that many of us tend to associate getting in shape with high energy fitness routines and getting hot, sweaty and out of breath.
Using similar logic, many people find it hard to imagine that a low intensity, low impact, low injury risk workout could deliver very significant health benefits, help you to lose weight and get in much better shape. However, that’s exactly what walking – an activity which requires no special equipment, training or expertise, and one which we all do on a daily basis – can do for you if you do it on a regular basis.
When you consider the numerous health benefits that walking offers, your sense of disbelief is only likely to grow. Walking can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke whilst simultaneously improving the efficiency of the lungs. It can help to bring down your blood pressure level. It can help boost your energy level, help you to sleep better at night and combat depression. It can help to reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer. Recent research in the UK even seems to suggest that it may be effective in staving off Alzheimer’s disease. It can certainly help you to get in shape and lose weight.
Looking at that list you would be forgiven for thinking that it was an advert for some expensive new dietary supplement or even the latest miracle drug. It’s hardly surprising that it can be difficult to credit. It’s also worth noting that – other than a comfortable pair of shoes – you don’t require any special equipment to get started on a walking exercise routine. It’s also a very cost effective option – there are no costly monthly gym membership fees to pay. You also have the convenience of being able to fit it into your day whenever it suits you best.
Most health professionals seem to suggest that should be aiming for 10,000 steps a day on a regular basis in order to achieve the health benefits previously mentioned. That’s equivalent to somewhere between four and a half and five miles for most people, depending upon stride length. It sounds like a long way – but it’s more achievable than you might imagine. Leave the car at home and walk to work. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Get off the bus a couple of stops before your final destination and finish your journey on foot. These are just some random examples of a few ways to boost your daily step count – there are plenty of other methods you could use, and they soon add up.
If you are over forty years old, if you have any medical conditions, or if you just haven’t exercised for some time, then it would be wise to seek your doctor’s advice and opinion before you launch any new fitness regime. However, as long as you’re sensible and start off gradually in the beginning, walking will improve your overall health and fitness. What’s more important you will feel much better and look better.
If you find it difficult to stay motivated, then using an Omron pedometer, which can track your progress and display results in terms of steps taken, distance covered or calories burned, might be a good idea. You can also take advantage of the latest advances in exercise footwear design by using specially designed shoes – such as Fit flops sandals – which boost the amount of work your lower body muscles do whilst walking normally. It effectively boosts the efficiency of your walking exercise.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...
