Physical activity, including walking, can improve the overall health of adults. However, only 48% of adults achieve the suggested activity level to enjoy these improvements. While many turn to high-intensity training or endless hours in the gym, walking offers an alternative approach.
This lower intensity and a training frequency that fits your schedule are invaluable.
Because you can start walking on your lunch break or in place of your usual gym schedule, you can enjoy the benefits and have fun doing it. Benefits include:
Increasing your activity levels at your own pace
Sustaining a healthier bodyweight
Help reduce high blood pressure
Improve your cardiovascular health
Join a community that helps encourage your goals
In addition to helping prevent numerous conditions, walking can strengthen your muscles and bones. Let’s discover things to look for when you add walking to your calendar and how you can get the most out of every step along the way.
Getting started with walking
Achieving the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise does not have to be painstaking. Sleeping better, improving muscle endurance, and enjoying a cardio boost can happen anywhere. Start by choosing a setting that is easily accessible.
A nice flat walking trail or even the area outside your office can be a great place to start. Avoid highly technical paths with a lot of loose gravel or changes in terrain. These challenges have their place, but they can be too much too soon for a beginner.
Incorporating more exercise with walking can be priceless because it requires no gym equipment. You can also increase the distance you walk, the frequency of your walks, and the speed with ease.
Keep your head up in a neutral position with your chin parallel to the ground. Lengthen your back to help with optimal breathing and for the ideal posture.
Walking Accessories
Walking can be terrific to engage your core and help you get a great workout. This activity is also shown to alleviate the risk of coronary heart disease by 19%.
Meanwhile, there are accessories like fun playlists for easy listening that can help. Consider protective eyewear like sunglasses for those sunny days.
Select footwear that provides complete protection and arch support. A shoe store, or more specifically a runner’s store, can help fit you with the right shoes.
Also, as you progress, you may even find benefits from trekking poles. These accessories are multifunctional and can help maintain that posture we mentioned.
Trekking poles help with ideal breathing positions. They also add an upper body workout from the point of contact with the ground.
Protect your knees from steep hills and improve your power and endurance for uphill walks. You can torch more calories while improving balance and stability with the right accessories.
Walking with a sense of community
Walking can be even more enjoyable with a group. Mapping out fun and the scenic route can add to the benefits. A mood boost while catching up with friends is a terrific way to stick with your exercises.
People feel more comfortable and even have a sense of protection with a group. In addition, a group can help in the unfortunate event that you experience an injury while walking. Getting immediate care can make a tremendous difference.
A community around being active and walking can help you quickly find the safest, most convenient, and fun places to walk.
Make walking a part of your path
Walking is a fantastic way to get around, but it brings many health benefits.
Add to that the community aspect and the flexibility to adjust your plan, and you have an excellent tool for wellness.
