Is Walking Your Way To Fitness a Good Idea?
Many people who want to start getting fit think walking is the way to go.
Their reasoning? It's cheap -- nothing to buy or join.
It's easy - they already know how to do it.
And it's available - most everyone can find some place to walk.
Guess what? Those people are right.
Of course everyone should ask their medical professional before beginning any new health routine --even walking.
For one thing, she/he may suggest taking some beginning measurements so you can record your progress.
Plus they may be able to point out any limitations you should follow.
Be sure to ask any questions you have or report anything that seems out of place to your doctor just to be on the safe side.
At some point you should work in some sort of stretch routine into your walking.
Some say it's not a good idea to stretch before hand but everyone seems to agree stretching after you walk is beneficial.
If you do decide to stretch before you walk - keep it light.
Then do some stretches after your walk.
You have less chance of injury and you'll feel better too.
What should you wear? Lean towards function in favor of fashion.
Comfortable shoes are a must.
Some prefer the more flexible running shoes to those designed for walking.
Also wear lose-fitting clothing appropriate for the weather.
As the weather gets colder add more layers that can be removed as you warm up.
Walking doesn't have to be boring either.
If you're not one to revel in tranquility you can use the time to record ideas, take some audio lessons, or catch up on your "reading" with an audio book.
Or you could even listen to music, talk radio or sports.
With today's technology, boredom shouldn't be an issue.
Don't worry about how fast you walk.
It's true if you walk for 20 minutes - increasing your speed will burn more calories.
But not that much more.
Some suggest you can burn almost as many calories when you "stop and smell the roses".
The reasoning? It takes more energy to get a body in motion than it does to stay in motion.
Either way, it's better to keep on walking at a pace comfortable for you than to not walk at all.
It's hard to beat walking as a "beginner's" exercise.
Don't be fooled - it's a powerful way for anyone to improve their fitness.
Some become fit doing nothing else.
Others move on to exercise programs that demand much more.
Many folks do both.
They get into the "walking habit" and then add other modules to their fitness routine.
Any way you want it, walking is one of the best ways to get going.
Their reasoning? It's cheap -- nothing to buy or join.
It's easy - they already know how to do it.
And it's available - most everyone can find some place to walk.
Guess what? Those people are right.
Of course everyone should ask their medical professional before beginning any new health routine --even walking.
For one thing, she/he may suggest taking some beginning measurements so you can record your progress.
Plus they may be able to point out any limitations you should follow.
Be sure to ask any questions you have or report anything that seems out of place to your doctor just to be on the safe side.
At some point you should work in some sort of stretch routine into your walking.
Some say it's not a good idea to stretch before hand but everyone seems to agree stretching after you walk is beneficial.
If you do decide to stretch before you walk - keep it light.
Then do some stretches after your walk.
You have less chance of injury and you'll feel better too.
What should you wear? Lean towards function in favor of fashion.
Comfortable shoes are a must.
Some prefer the more flexible running shoes to those designed for walking.
Also wear lose-fitting clothing appropriate for the weather.
As the weather gets colder add more layers that can be removed as you warm up.
Walking doesn't have to be boring either.
If you're not one to revel in tranquility you can use the time to record ideas, take some audio lessons, or catch up on your "reading" with an audio book.
Or you could even listen to music, talk radio or sports.
With today's technology, boredom shouldn't be an issue.
Don't worry about how fast you walk.
It's true if you walk for 20 minutes - increasing your speed will burn more calories.
But not that much more.
Some suggest you can burn almost as many calories when you "stop and smell the roses".
The reasoning? It takes more energy to get a body in motion than it does to stay in motion.
Either way, it's better to keep on walking at a pace comfortable for you than to not walk at all.
It's hard to beat walking as a "beginner's" exercise.
Don't be fooled - it's a powerful way for anyone to improve their fitness.
Some become fit doing nothing else.
Others move on to exercise programs that demand much more.
Many folks do both.
They get into the "walking habit" and then add other modules to their fitness routine.
Any way you want it, walking is one of the best ways to get going.
