As written in August 2012 Consumer Reports on Health, you already know that walking is good for you. It can reduce your risk of heart disease, relieve stress, improve blood pressure and blood sugar, strengthen bones, ease some menopause symptoms, keep your brain sharp, aid in weight loss, and possibly add a few years to your life.
There are many different key tips that can help you jazz up your walks. There are also gadgets designed to boost motivation for these walks whether they be taken along a park trail or in your very own home on a treadmill.
Set goals for yourself using a pedometer. When striving to achieve a goal you become more determined to reach as well as exceed it. Aim for 7,000 to 10,000 steps a day.
However, in the event that you do not own a pedometer, try a smart-phone app, like traditional pedometers, these count steps and compute distance based on your stride length. The Accupedo Pedometer Widget (for Android; $4) and Pedometer Pro GPS+ (for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch; $3) made good walking buddies.
In addition, pump up your playlist and update it with tunes that make you move. Everyone has a favorite song, a song that gets them pumped, a song that motivates them, etc. So why not use that song to distract you from the fact that you’re excising?
“Times flies when you’re having fun,” just as it does when you walk-and-talk. Catch up with an old friend, co-worker, family member, or even significant other. There are so many things one another can talk to each other about. Without even noticing, you have walked miles.
Moreover, progression is the key. No one is expected to be a walking warrior, so starting slow isn’t an issue. Start by incorporating 20 to 25 minutes of walking into your daily routine. If that is still too much, then start with 10 minutes and build from there.
South Orange Chiropractic Center is having a walking workshop this month on the 22nd, which will include preparation, techniques, benefits and warm up.
Call the office for details, (973) 761-0022
Have fun; stay healthy.
