Yes, You Really Can Walk Your Way to Better Health
By Genevieve Cunningham
If you've ever inquired about whether walking can help you get in shape, you may have been surprised by the answer. The truth is that walking can work wonders for your health. For most people, this is a bit of a shock! You mean all I have to do is walk? But that's too easy! While it's true that walking is a simple process, getting in shape through walking is not always easy. In fact, it can be quite the challenge if you do it right. If you want to walk your way to better health, take a look at the big advantages of walking, plus a few tips to make it successful.
Why Walking is Beneficial
Calorie burn - It doesn't matter how slow you go, movement burns calories. It's true that you'll burn more if you move faster or workout with more intensity, but if your goal is to simply get moving, walking is a good way to get started.
Low impact - As we get older, a lot of movement becomes more difficult. Why? Because our bodies are aging. Any kind of serious impact tends to hurt the joints. But walking is low-impact. It's easy on the joints and body as a whole, and this makes it a great option for everyone, no matter your current physical state or condition.
It lasts - Because it's a low-impact option, walking can last for a lifetime. Want something that you can do now and long into the future? Walking is definitely it! If you want a staple exercise -- a trustworthy go-to for any occasion -- walking is the perfect choice.
Tips for Progress
Challenge yourself - Just because walking is considered a simple exercise, doesn't mean you can't still challenge yourself. You can walk faster, carry weights in your hands, walk uphill, or walk on a nature trail. There are so many ways to make a walking routine challenging. Change it up so that your body is continuously challenged and pushed toward new success.
Pick up the pace - If you want the easiest way to really challenge your body, just pick up the pace. Go faster. If you're not sure whether you're really going faster, time yourself. Increasing the speed at which you walk will increase intensity and allow you to cover more ground in the same amount of time. It's a simple way to make your workout even better than before.
If you need to get in shape or simply improve your health, walking really can work! Buy some supportive shoes, find a trail, and get moving. You'll gain benefits to your physical and mental well-being, and start feeling better in your own skin in no time at all.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Santa Ana, Calif.