Would you like to take more exercise but – like so many other people – struggle to actually do it? There are plenty of reasons why this might be the case. Not enough time to fit it into your day, lack of energy after a long day at work, lack of equipment – the list goes on. When you also consider that the monthly membership fee at the gym is an expensive item, it’s no great surprise that many people exercise a lot less than they would like to.
What if there was a way to exercise that required no special equipment, which was easy to do and which didn’t need you to get all hot and sweaty? It would probably be a lot easier to get yourself motivated to take exercise on a more regular basis. Were it also a form of exercise that could be performed whenever it was easiest for you, then that would be better yet.
Thankfully, there is a form of exercise which ticks all of those boxes, albeit you may not have thought about (in terms of exercise at least). Walking is something that most of us do every day. There’s no need for any training, special equipment or expertise. As long as you have a comfy pair of shoes you can get started on a walking exercise program. Another very significant advantage that walking for exercise offers is that it is practically free – no gym fees to pay. Neither do you have to schedule in a trip to the gym – walking can slot right into your day whenever you have a spare few minutes.
The possible health benefits available as a result of walking on a regular basis read like the product description of the latest wonder drug. Walking can help to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke whilst increasing lung capacity. It helps to combat anxiety and depression, and it helps you to sleep better at night. It can lower the risk of certain forms of cancer. It boosts your energy level and leaves you feeling generally better overall. Recent research in the UK suggests that it may even be effective in combating Alzheimer’s disease. It helps to increase bone density, build muscle and to lose weight.
Most health professionals seem to be in agreement that 10,000 steps a day is a good target for anyone who wishes to achieve the previously mentioned health benefits. That’s a little under five miles for someone with an average stride length.
Whilst five miles probably sounds like a long way, you would probably be surprised at how achievable this is in reality. Leaving the car in the garage once or twice a week is a good start. Walk to work or school instead. If you travel by bus or subway, then get off a couple of stops early and walk the last section of your journey. Use the stairs instead of the lift. Take a ten or fifteen minute stroll during your lunch break. Walk around when you’re talking on your mobile phone. These are just a few examples of ways to increase your daily step count. There are plenty more.
Be sensible and start off slowly at first. If you haven’t exercised for a while, or if you have any medical conditions, then talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise regime. However, walking is a low impact, low injury risk form of exercise which, as previously discussed, offers many potential health benefits if carried out on a regular basis. You will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you see and feel the benefits.
Discover how Fitflops exercise shoes can raise the effectiveness of your walking workout. They are specially engineered to increase the amount of work done by the lower body muscles when walking. Both women’s and men’s Fitflops are available in a wide range of colors and styles.