You know you should walk. You’ve heard the reports. You’ve tried it in the past. You have slacked off or slowed down when it’s gotten boring. Now the scale screams that you’ve gained a bit of unwanted weight. So, let’s do this together. It’s time to get back on the walking trail and here are some easy tips to make it all work.
Now a caution. Don’t expect to love a walking workout in the first few days. Habits take about four to six weeks to become a part of our lives. Keep walking because it’s known to cut cancer risks, reduce the need for antidepressants, builds bones and stronger muscles, and allow you to enjoy eating a variety of healthy food. When you’re a walker you’ll move like someone who is ten years younger, too.
Get out your walking sneakers and lace up for a fitter, longer and happier life.
Here’s how:
Walk to plan, think, ponder, pray and meditate. Walk to feel good because you do look great when you’re walking.
Make sure you have time to walk. Expect to walk 20 to 60 minutes. It’s okay to turn down other things to devote time to this affair of the heart.
Walking is great for more than your heart. It helps control some diseases or lower your risks for them. It maintains healthy lungs, organs, weight and can keep your mental well being balanced too. All without medication. However, remember to talk to your doctor about what’s going on with your body.
Walking can help strengthen bones, a valid and serious concern for men and women of any age. They won’t send you a thank you card, but after walking each day for less than a month, your jeans will probably be roomy and you’ll probably have better posture.
Think of walking as a way to attract increased attention from the opposite sex. Yes, studies show couples that walk together report having more satisfying intimate relations. Wonder if Ms. or Mr. Right is the right one? Go for a walk and find out.
Buy new walking shoes and only wear them for walking. Buy the best ones you can afford and try on a number of shoes before you take out your wallet. They are not all created equal. Sneakers, sandals and run-down shoes will harm your feet and your body.
Walk when you’re feeling out-of-sorts. Walking has been clinically proven to help reduce mild depression or that “ho-hum” feeling many women experience during the monthly cycle.
Walk in clothes that move and breathe. Choose your walking wardrobe so that you’re comfortable and you look good. You’ll be more motivated to stick with walking if you have something new.
Walk with a friend. Walk with your (or a neighbor’s) canine companion. Make sure Fido or Fluffy begins a walking program slowly too, especially if the pet has been a coach potato. Walking can be a family affair, and a way to positively influence how your kids feel about life-long fitness. Let’s them bike or skate, or pull them in a wagon. Join a non-competitive walking group.
Brown bag your lunch so you have time to walk during that hour. You’ll find, even if you can only walk a few blocks or do laps around the courtyard of your office building that you feel more emotionally charged and stable when you return to your desk.
Take a walking vacation. Check out the ads on the Internet for tour groups that specialize in walking through exotic locations. Take a health holiday at a resort that includes walking “classes.” Subscribe to fitness magazines including those that feature tips on getting the most from walking.
Volunteer to organize a healthy walking group for seniors, kids with special needs, your church group or the people in your college dorm. Plan walks to interesting places around your city.
Use a walking stick, especially if you walk on rough, slippery or mountainous terrain. Many serious walkers use two sticks, like one might when using snowshoes. Walking sticks will help you get an upper body workout while you walk.
Start walking with baby steps, especially if you haven’t been active for a while. Begin by walking for about ten minutes, or even less. Increase your walking time slowly. Gaining the benefits of walking can be felt after just one walk, but realistically, you’ll need to walk for two to six weeks before you see physical results. Double the benefits of walking by contracting your abdominal muscles as walk.
Vary the terrain and location of your walks. Keep in mind that once you’re hooked on walking, other “sports” may seem mild compared to your love affair with strong muscles and a youthful-looking body. Why not start right now? That’s the spirit. Walk for your health and to stay fit for life.
