What A Way To Walk

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association(1) there are benefits to "Exercise Walking." They have proven that walking metabolically helps control weight loss, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. If you walk briskly 100 pounds can be lost per mile or 300 calories per hour. In fact, combined with a healthy diet, walking is number one in assisting weight loss and maintaining it. It is also stated that "Walkers" live longer.

Walking is also very beneficial to heart attack recovery. For individuals with poor circulation walking can increase the size of the vain, thereby increasing the circulation to the arms and legs in question. Additional benefits include fat-burning, improves muscle tone and relieves stress.

If you are over 40 or have poor circulation, diabetic, high blood pressure, smokers, or heart problems always consult with your physician before beginning any walking regiment.

What Kind of Walker Are You?

Take the 12-question test to assist you in realizing the style and type of walker you are, or should be from the beginner to the most seasoned walker. You will find the 12-question test located here: http://walking.about.com/library/weekly/aa030501a.htm. You will find such questions as "how long do you prefer to walk," and "how fast do you prefer to walk." Once you have completed all 12-questions, an evaluation will be provided for you. Remember, speak with your doctor first!

For the beginner, this site offers very good information as to how to begin your walking program. What type or style shoe, preparing your body, and more. http://walking.about.com/library/weekly/aa122699a.htm.

Ok, now you are ready to get out there and start your walking regiment, but wait, I have to do this first, I forgot to do this, oh no, now it’s too late to begin my walk today. That’s ok, I’ll start tomorrow. Does this sound familiar? Well, let me introduce you to a site that can truly assist with the procrastination part of beginning your walking program. Motivation is the key! Go here and enjoy: http://walking.about.com/library/cal/blwebwalkingusa.htm

Finally, walking is a very inexpensive way to improve your health. Yes, the proper shoes are important, but they do not have to be the expensive ones, nor do you have to go out and purchase the up-and-coming work-out outfits. A pair of shorts, socks, and comfortable shirt are all you need to get started. You might want to look at these titles: "The Walking Diet," and "The Rhythm of Life," both written by Les Snowdon and Maggie Humphreys. A site that is truly worth investigating designed by Snowdon and Humpreys, I recommend that you visit for even more details about the benefits of walking. The site is located at the following: http://www.walking.org. These two have been offering to speak-out about the benefits of walking since the early 1990s.

I do hope this information will assist you with making a decision to go ahead and begin to improve your health through walking.

Remember – Walkers live longer – so why not start today!

(1) American Podiatric Medical Association http://www.apma.org/sports/walking.html