Springtime Goals: Walking
By Sara Butler
Spring has almost sprung! That means it's time to get outside and get your body moving. One of the best low-impact exercises you can do to improve your mental and physical health is walking. When the weather is warm, hiking a new trail or walking in your neighborhood to see the spring flowers bloom can help to change the pace and get your health and fitness goals started. To ensure you're getting the most from your walking efforts, you need to have goals that motivate you. Here are a few walking goals that you should try this spring that can help you meet your goals all year long.
Frequency
If you want to reap all the benefits of walking, then you need to do it multiple times per week. In fact, you should try to do it most days per week, about five, to have it make an impact. Experts also recommend that you walk for about 30 minutes each day that you do. If you're just starting, then remember to keep it simple. You may have to work your way up to the frequency and length of the walk, but as long as you're adding a little time each week until you reach your goals, you should be good to go.
Think About Your Core
At least two of your walks per week should be a focus on your core muscles -- the muscles in your abdomen. How do you do this? It's all about your walking posture. Make sure your core muscles are engaged and your shoulders are up and back with your head looking straight ahead. This will make a difference in your stride that helps work your core as it also helps you to reap all the health benefits walking has to offer.
Find an Event
After you have a few weeks of walking under your belt and have worked up to 30 minutes five days per week, then it's time to look for an event to help you stay motivated. A 5K or 10K in your area should do the trick. It will give you a goal to work toward and may even inspire you to join a training group, which will help ensure your walking workouts continue as they should.
Walking is great exercise, so make sure you get the most from it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Northbrook, Ill.