Would you like to take more exercise but – like so many other people – struggle to actually do it? There are plenty of reasons why this might be the case. Not enough time to fit it into your day, lack of energy after a long day at work, lack of equipment – the list goes on. When you also consider that the monthly membership fee at the gym is an expensive item, it’s no great surprise that many people exercise a lot less than they would like to.
If there was a way to take exercise which didn’t need you to get all hot sweaty and out of breath, was easy to do and which didn’t require the use of any special equipment, then it would probably be a lot easier to motivate yourself to take exercise more often. If it was an exercise which could be slotted into your daily routine whenever it suited you best, then that would be ideal.
Fortunately, such a form of exercise does exist – although you may not have considered it. Walking is an activity that we all perform every day. It needs no training, expertise or special equipment. As long as you have a good, comfortable pair of shoes you’re all set. It’s also a very cost effective method of exercising – and you can slot it into your daily routine whenever you like.
When you look at the potential health benefits of walking for exercise, you could be forgiven for thinking you were looking at an advert for some new miracle drug. It lowers blood pressure levels. It increases the efficiency of the lungs. It builds muscle and increases bone density. It lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can reduce the risk of certain cancers. It helps to fight anxiety and depression and also promotes better sleep. It boosts your energy levels and leaves you feeling generally better. It helps you to lose weight and get in shape.
Health professionals seem to agree that, in order to maximize the benefits to be gained from walking exercise, we should target 10,000 steps each day. For most people that equates to a distance of just under five miles – although this can vary somewhat if you have a very short or long stride length.
Whilst that may sound like a long way, you would probably be surprised at just how easy it is to achieve. Leaving the car at home and walking to work once or twice a week is a good start. Or, if you travel by bus or subway, get off one or two stops in advance of your final destination and complete your journey on foot. If you do decide to take the car, then don’t feel guilty about it. Just park in the corner of the parking lot so that you have further to walk to the entrance. Go for a ten or fifteen minute stroll during your lunch break. The possibilities are endless – and they soon add up.
Take it easy when you’re starting out. Start off slowly and build up gradually whenever you feel comfortable to do so. Because walking is a low impact, low injury risk, workout it is suitable for the vast majority of people. However, if you are over forty, if you have any medical conditions, or if you haven’t taken regular exercise for some time, then do seek medical advice before you embark upon any new exercise regime.
Improve the effectiveness of your walking workout with Fitflops fitness shoes. They’re scientifically designed to increase the amount of work your lower body muscles perform whilst walking. Both women’s and men’s Fitflops are available in a wide choice of colors and styles.