The Beauty in Walking
For anyone that wants to get into shape a walking routine is a great way to start, why? Walking to lose weight is easy to do, requires no special equipment, is easy on your joints and is super effective. Let’s take a closer look.
The biggest issue with any type of exercise routine is that it is often difficult to perform some of the movements. You may not be able to lift your leg up high enough, or climb stairs for any length of time. If you push yourself you end up feeling sore and then get put off from trying the routine again.
Walking is the perfect solution to getting your joints moving, it also helps improve your cardiovascular system. Plus it lowers your risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke and decreases your chances of getting diabetes.
Walking is a good choice for anyone who is dealing with health conditions such as arthritis. Moving regularly can help improve your arthritis and walking is not hard on your joints.
Walking to Lose Weight
For anyone who wants to lose weight there really is no better way than to start walking. Walking can really help you burn a ton of calories. It is much easier for a person to walk for a longer period of time than to do another exercise, such as jogging, for the same time length.
To start a new walking routine the only thing you need is a good pair of walking shoes. If you are just walking for a few minutes a day you should be okay with your older shoes. Just be sure not to wait too long until you purchase a good pair of walking shoes. This is important.
Side note: My favorite walking shoes are Ryka shoes for women, Ryka cross trainers & their walking shoes. Right now I am wearing Fila’s Memory Cool walking shoes and like them a lot.
Remember: When going for a walk, you have to get home. If you are planning to walk for 30 minutes, walk for 15 minutes, stop and turn around to head home. As your fitness level increases you can always extend your walk.
With my health issues I know that I can’t walk further than 10 minutes before my leg goes numb so I have to make sure there is somewhere to sit for a few minutes. Prepare yourself before walking outdoors so you have all your bases covered.
How to Burn More Calories Walking
It has been shown that walking up a small hill can help increase your stamina and burns more calories. If you walk up a hill with a 15% incline you will actually burn 67% more calories. So try adding a short hill or slope when possible. This is also a great choice for people who can’t run, just start walking hills in order to burn more calories and increase your fitness level.
As you can see you don’t really need any expensive equipment to take up walking. You can easily start walking around the block in your neighborhood. If you have a park, lake or walking trails nearby check them out. If you’re on vacation, walk airports, walk along the beach, or in a pool.
The beauty of walking outdoors is the scenery and that’s what is appealing to me but most of my walking these days is done indoors which is OK too. What ever works for you, do it.
No matter if you’re walking to lose weight, improve your arthritis, get fit or just to enjoy the outdoors walking is the best overall exercise for your health.
Where is your favorite place to walk?
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