Walking Will Improve Your Health - Tips To Get You Moving
With nearly two-thirds of the adults in America are either overweight or obese, American children are following the trend. The number of overweight children is on the rise. A much of this problem is caused by our culture and eating habits. Many of us eat several meals at a fast food restaurant each week, some even daily. If that wasn't enough, we reward ourselves and socialize by going out to eat together. The problem is escalating each year. We are bombarded by fast food and restaurant advertisements on both radio and television, telling us it's a great thing to do. Unfortunately, it's not good for us.
There may be no true end to the poor eating habits many of us have made. Bad habits are hard to break, and with the busy schedules many Americans keep, it would be nearly impossible for some to do otherwise. This sounds hopeless, but don't despair. There are small steps we can take to become healthier. These steps aren't drastic and don't impinge on our daily lives in a big way.
Walking is one of the most beneficial things we can do for ourselves. It is good for our heart and lungs, as well as improving circulation. Here are some simple steps that many of us can take on our way to becoming healthier.
1. If you live close enough, try walking to work. If that is impossible, park at the far end of the lot and have a brisk walk to the building. In the evening, you will enjoy that same walk back to the car.
2. Try taking a short walk during lunch. If you normally drive to a restaurant for lunch, try finding one within walking distance. If you pack your lunch, take a short walk after eating or before returning to work.
3. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Climbing stairs is extremely good for you.
4. Put down the remote control. I know it sounds silly, but walking to the television to turn it on gets you moving. Once you get used to moving, you won't be so inclined to be sedentary. Remember the old rule of physics: a body in motion tends to stay in motion.
5. Instead of sitting down and reading a book, get out your personal stereo player and try listening to audio books while taking a walk. This is one of my personal favorites.
6. Don't hire someone to mow the lawn. Get out the push mower and do it yourself. You will benefit from the exercise while saving money in the process.
7. Get involved with your children. Before settling in to watch your favorite evening television programs, take the whole family outside for a nature walk, toss a ball, or play horseshoes each evening. There has to be an outdoor activity you can do together, no matter how simple.
8. Take up flower or vegetable gardening, or both. A person gets an amazing amount of exercise while gardening. All that bending, walking and hoeing is good for you.
9. Instead of putting clothes in the dryer, walk outside and hang them on the line. Once again you gain the benefit of movement, and save money while you are at it.
10. Get up from behind the computer. The computer can lock us in front of it and keep us sitting for hours at a time. Take a break and have a walk around the room, if nothing else. If you're able to, walk outside and see what's going on in the great outdoors, before sitting back down in the computer chair.
Notice that I don't give any advise on how to change your eating habits. That's a totally different subject. All I suggest is helpful ideas to get you moving. If you try implementing even a few of these steps in your daily life, you will be making positive steps toward better health.
