Walking Resolutions for the New Year
By Sara Butler
Many people resolve to get in shape at the beginning of each new year, but few people actually follow through. If you've made promises to get in shape in years past but never managed to actually get there, it's time for you to give it another go! In fact, if you can be specific with your walking resolutions this year, then you will have a head start on achieving your health and fitness goals. Here are a few easy walking resolutions for you to commit to this year.
Walk 30 Minutes Every Day
Instead of going gung-ho and trying to tackle months or years of inactivity at once, start slow by committing to walk at an easy pace for 30 minutes each day. Once you establish this habit, then you can work on making it more challenging and getting fitter, but starting slow with just 30 minutes of walking can help improve your mood, help you reach and maintain a healthy body weight, and lower your risk of chronic disease.
Grab a Buddy
Study after study that focuses on making an exercise plan and sticking to it has found that having a workout buddy is one of the keys to success. If you can find someone to walk with you most days of the week or join a walking club in your area, then you're more likely to stick to your new walking regimen and meet your goals.
Walk As Far as You Can
While it is a good idea to start slow and work on small goals along the way, it's equally important to have long-term goals to help you push yourself. That's why you should have an overreaching goal that pushes you to go farther than you think you can. To help you have a larger goal to work toward, think about signing up for a 5K or 10K so that you have something to focus on.
Don't Forget to Strength Train
Walking is great cardiovascular exercise, but you can't forget to strength train, either. A couple of days per week you should do yoga or some bodyweight exercises at home to help you be healthier overall. Think about joining a gym and getting a personal trainer for a few sessions to help you with a strength training plan that fits your specific needs and abilities.
Walking is great exercise but make sure you're getting the most you can from it. If you need help, then talk to the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic today!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbia, S.C.