7 Tips For Healthy Walking

Walking is becoming an increasingly popular form of exercise for people of all ages. It has many advantages including the fact that little or no specialist equipment, clothing or training is required. It is something that the whole family can participate in and it is very good for you.

Some people will tell you that walking is not an effective way to become fit but this is not true. A study recently asked a group of sedentary people to undertake to walk 10,000 brisk steps a day which is about 5 miles or 8K. At the end of the study the group had improved their overall fitness levels just as much as another group that had followed a traditional gym based aerobic exercise program.

If you want to make the most from walking here are 7 tips to help you.

1. Get a pedometer. This is a simple devise that you fit to our waist band and it will record the steps that you take and distance covered.

2. Walk with a friend. Walking is an exercise that you can share and you can encourage each other in your quest for fitness.

3. Walk in attractive areas. Where possible plan your route through the more attractive areas of your neighbourhood. It is far more pleasant walking through parks than built up areas.

4. Walk faster at the beginning of your walk. A spot of brisk walking at the beginning of your walk can be very beneficial. The European Journal of Applied Physiology reported that walkers who started more briskly and then eased down towards the end of the walk burned more calories and felt less tired than those who saved the quick burst for the end of their walk.

5. Wear good shoes. Although you do not need any special clothing or equipment for walking it is important that you wear suitable footwear. A reasonable pair or trainers or comfortable walking shoes are ideal. There is no need to go in for designer trainers or expensive MBTs.

6. Walk at least 3 times a week. To benefit from your walking you should aim to go out at least 3 times a week and walk for an hour. The experts say that ideally we should all walk about 10,000 steps a day. This is not always possible but if you wear your pedometer you will get a good idea of your average daily step rate.

7. Treat Walking as a hobby. Don't look on walking as an exercise to get fit, look on it as a hobby that you enjoy. You might even consider joining a rambling club which is a great way to meet new friends and discover new walks.

By: David Bromley

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