A Good Walk Can Go A Long Way
By Tom Herrin
Most of us think about an exercise routine. Too often, that's as far as it goes. One of the simplest and least expensive forms of exercise is walking. All you really need is a good pair of shoes. As we start planning just how to maximize our efforts, we need to take a close look at what we can really accomplish. There is a great variety of plans and items available to facilitate our efforts toward finding that "new you." Walking can be a tremendous part of a valid program.
I Just Can’t Find Time
The great thing about walking is that it is simple. You can map out a path, whether it is down the block and back or on one of the scenic walking trails available in so many communities. I have been guilty of starting an exercise program and then thinking I couldn’t complete it because I didn’t have time to put in a full session. That is really a myth of our own creation. I thought that if I was interrupted and had to shorten my workout, I was losing ground. The truth is that even a 10-minute walk three times a day can provide helpful benefits that can work for us.
Walking Is Not Enough For What I Need
Again, walking is simple. It can be the major building block of a larger program. I realized that doing something is always better that doing nothing. The primary need is to do it with some regularity. A good walking program has been proven to have a major impact on health. It is known to lessen the chance of heart problems, lower blood sugar, improve bone health, and the list goes on. Should you begin with walking but decide you want to increase to more strenuous exercise, great. However, just walking can do wonders. You can set goals that are attainable, and as you reach those, set new ones. Soon, you will find yourself feeling better overall physically and mentally.
I Need To Lose Weight
Walking by itself isn't going to solve your weight loss problem, but it is great for goal setting. Too many of us want to hurry up and lose pounds so we can go back to eating like we use to. That is a recipe for failure. In order to improve our overall health, we have to look at diet and exercise. We have to plan for it to take a while. Slow progress is always better and more lasting. So take a few minutes and go for a walk. It might just become a good habit.
