Physical exercise, carried out on a consistent and frequent basis, is a very important factor in raising health and fitness levels and lowering the risk of – or avoiding – many health problems and diseases. Most of us are aware of this – but it can be difficult to find the motivation to take regular exercise. Aside from the fact that many people will perceive exercise as physically draining, dull and expensive (gym membership fees cost a lot of money), it can also be difficult to find the time for exercise in your busy and demanding daily schedule.
Walking is a form of exercise that is carried out by most people on a daily basis. It is a very important factor in determining the general health and fitness level of any particular individual. It walking is carried out on a regular basis, then it can deliver a great many health benefits. It has the potential to lower blood pressure and to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. It will help to combat both depression and anxiety. Walking will help you to sleep better, and you will have more energy and feel less fatigued during the day. It can reduce the probability of contracting certain forms of cancer. It will help you lose weight and build muscle.
All that you need to get started is a good comfortable pair of shoes. There’s no need for any special equipment and you can fit walking into your day as and when it suits you. If you can walk for 30 minutes a day, 3 or 4 times a week, you will soon start to see – and feel – results. If you can gradually build up to 10,000 steps a day – roughly equivalent to 5 miles – you will really notice a difference. You will feel better and look better.
If, after slowly increasing the time and distance that you walk for each day, you feel that you might like to get a little extra from your walking workout, then you could consider Nordic walking. Nordic walking is a relatively recent innovation which was started in Finland by skiers who needed a method of keeping their fitness level up during the summer and a way to get ready for the winter skiing season. Basically it’s walking with modified ski poles. It’s just like skiing – but minus the skis (and the snow).
Nordic walking has two main added advantages compared to normal walking. Firstly, it makes more use of the upper body, encouraging the use of muscles which would not be engaged whilst walking normally. Secondly, it decreases the amount of load on lower body muscles and joints.
These two factors result in even further benefits in comparison with conventional walking. There is a 20 to 40% increase in the rate of energy expenditure – and the additional upper body movement promotes agility and flexibility.There is less stress in the lower body muscles and joints as a consequence of reduced lower body loading. For some walkers, the use of poles might have safety benefits – and this could allow people recovering from injury or illness to get a higher intensity workout than would otherwise be possible.
Whether you decide to choose Nordic or conventional walking, the health benefits on offer for you are considerable. If you haven’t exercised for some time, or if you have any medical conditions, do seek your doctor’s advice before you start any new exercise program. However, as long as you apply a little common sense and start slowly, building up over time, then you should soon see some very real benefits as a result of a walking workout regime.
Discover how Fitflops exercise shoes can boost the effectiveness of your walking workout. Try using an Omron pedometer to monitor your progress and help you to keep motivated.