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Don’t Balk – Take a Walk
How often do you find an excuse to avoid exercising? As simple as it may be
to think of a reason not to go for a walk, think of some even better reasons in
favor of hitting your feet to the pavement. Did you know that according to
America Walks, a national coalition of local advocacy groups dedicated to
promoting walkable communities, you need to walk a full football field to burn
the calories from one plain M&M? Imagine how your other food choices and
lifestyle practices impact the need to exercise.
America Walks reveals
that each minute you walk can extend your life by 1.5 to 2 minutes on average.
For those interested in walking an extra 20 minutes each day, plan to burn seven
pounds of body fat per year!
The next time you start to drag your feet in
favor of doing other things, consider the advantages that walking offers:
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Applies less stress to joints than other
exercises
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Improves circulation
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Prevents diseases
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Increase your life longevity
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Reduce stress
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Promotes proper posture
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Enhance creativity
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Boost your self-esteem
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Low-cost cardio workout
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Requires few accessories
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More quality sleep
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Non-dependent upon location
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Socialize with friends
The next time
you try to convince yourself that a walk is not necessary, think of one of the
above reasons for moving your legs. Not only does it offer health benefits, it
offers socialization benefits when you desire a conversation. Feeling the fresh
air of the great outdoors or monitoring your pace on the treadmill are simply
two more advantages for taking a walk.
Decide if you would like to take
your walk inside or outside. When the weather outside is agreeable, walk on a
school track, paved sidewalk, nature trail or other area where it is easy to get
your body in motion. If you prefer the indoors, consider walking at the local
mall, a gym or a community center.
Once you convince yourself to get
going, realize that it takes at least four weeks to establish walking into your
daily routine. Try not to push too hard when you start out with your new
regimen. Concentrate on slowly building your endurance and strength while
working toward increasing your speed. A good goal base is to work up to 30
minutes of walking five days a week. Setting realistic goals sets the pace for
success.
Determining the goals to make depends on each person’s
situation. Combining walking with a balanced diet serves as a great means for
weight loss. Building endurance after a surgery by taking a regular stroll is
another reason why some people pick up this convenient, effective physical
activity. Combating potential diseases and illnesses, working against the aging
process and improving heart health are just a few other reasons to tie your
shoes and start walking.
Reaching your fitness goals is easier when you
are dressed appropriately. Invest in some comfortable walking attire. A good
pair of shoes that fit properly with the right amount of support will take you
miles up the road. Choose comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely.
Whatever your reasons for walking, it offers many benefits to improve
your life. You might just find that eating two M&M’s and burning the
calories is no problem at all.