Walk Your Way to Good Health

As my 40th birthday fast approaches and the extra weight around my waistline stubbornly decides not to move, I decieded it was time to get off the couch and do something about it. I consulted my doctor (as veryone should do before embarking on a diet or exercise program of any kind) and she recommended that I take up walking. I've been living a pretty sedentary lifestyle for the past few years and it was her opinion that walking was the easiest way to ease myself back into exercise.

What she also told me, and that I was blissfully unaware of, were the numerous benefits of walking. I always knew it was a pretty good way to stay in shape, I just didn't realize how good. Just a few of the benefits are....
Reduces heart attack risk and reduces the levels of bad cholesterol in your body.
Slows down osteoporosis bone loss ( a really good benefit for older people).
Very easy on the joints, and improves muscle tone
Enhances stamina and energy and it also burns almost as many calories as jogging.

You really don't need much of an investment to get started. Your most expensive outlay is going to be a good pair of running shoes and it would also be a good idea to pick up a pedometer to help you keep track of just how many steps you've walked. The doctor recommended that my target goal should be 10,000 steps per day. That sems like a lot until you actually strap on the pedometer for the first time. You can easily chalk off 2-3000 steps just doing your normal routine around the house and work. I got in the habit quickly of taking my dog for a walk every night and initially I was doing about 5000 steps per day which I gradually increased by walking a little further each couple of nights. I am now averaging 7-8000 per day after only 2 weeks and, best of all, it's getting much easier to do that as my stamina increases. You will notice an improvement in that department very quickly.

There is very little to know about walking properly.The main keys are to keep a very good posture with head up, back straight, and shoulders and arms remaining loose. Walk at your normal speed and length of stride. You are not trying to break any landscape records and if you find that you are short of breath then you are walking too fast. Slow down until you are breathing normally and don't ever hold your breath while walking as you will tire very quickly.

The best part of all this, is that it's something you can do even when you are on your vacation or out of town on business. No need to find the nearest gym or use the dilapidated equipment in the hotel gym. Just pack your walking shoes and you are ready to go when you arrive at your destination. Don't forhet though, that you won't loose all that weight simply by walking, it helps to eat a sensible balanced diet at the same time. Do that and you'll be back in top shape in no time, and in my case, just in time for my 40th birthday celebrations.