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Perhaps you need to lose some weight and not really looking forward to joining a health club. Or you are not interested in running or biking and not really looking into killing yourself on a daily basis. Well, a good option alternative to high impact, high endurance exercise is walking.
Walking is Natural for Everyone
We walk every day and it's easy, doesn't take a lot of expensive equipment just some comfortable shoes really and off you go. Walking is by far the easiest and most popular form of exercise out there. Yes, it's a slower way to fitness but by far, it is the safest way to physical fitness. It's like the story of the tortoise and the hare. It may be slower but you avoid injury.
The Many Health Benefits of Walking
You may be surprised to discover all the health benefits, which come from walking. To give you an idea:
Walking lowers your risk of diabetes and also helps you manage type 2 diabetes.
Walking also helps to lower your blood pressure
You can lose weight or manage your weight.
High intensity, high frequency walking (30 minutes 5 to 7 days a week at 65% to 75% of maximum heart rate) has been shown to greatly improve aerobic fitness.
How to Get Started Walking Your Way to Health
To get started on a walking program you really want to get started on the right foot lol. Ok, seriously though. Certain basic equipment helps.
You will need to get a good pair of shoes. A good pair of shoes can help you avoid getting blisters and muscle soreness.
Of course, comfortable clothing is a given.
A pedometer is also handy. It will help you measure your progress. pedometers can provide motivation, as well. You can start by walking 10,000 steps a day. If it's too low a goal of course set it higher.
The great thing about walking, you can walk anywhere at any time: malls, parks, neighborhoods. If you get tired of the same ole same, just change it up and find a new place to go for a walk. You are likely to discover new places, new friends, and a new you.
While the right shoes and clothes make it easier, all you really need to do is get off your duff and open the front door. Be careful though, once you let your feet start moving, you never know where they might take you.
