Walking your way to health

Add to :

Did you know that walking can burn almost as many calories as jogging? The best thing about walking is that one does does require any special training or equipments. It can be done anywhere, anytime and by anyone. Apart from just burning calories, walking has many therapeutic effects and is helpful is various health conditions.

Health benefits of walking

The various health benefits of walking are:

• Extremely effective to maintain a healthy weight and figure, especially in slimming down the waist.
• Eases back pain.
• Reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the body and thus lowers the risk of heart disease and strokes.
• Improves blood lipid profile.
• Lowers the blood pressure.
• Prevents bone diseases like osteoporosis by reducing bone loss and increasing bone density.
• Reduces the risk of cancer of the colon.
• Reduces the risk of non insulin Dependant diabetes
• It is easy on the joints of the body.
• It increases the stamina and boosts energy.
• Enhances mental health by reducing anxiety and tension and releasing happy hormones.
• Improves the muscle tone.
• Walking also helps in weight loss by reducing appetite.

Walking – the most convenient exercise

Easy on your body – Walking is easier on the body compared to running or any other sport. While the shock of a runners step is 3-4 times the person’s weight, walking is only 1-11/2! Thus, it is safest as the risk of injury is the least.

No prior training or degree required – Walking does not require any training or specialization. Anybody of any age group can reap the benefits of walking. All one needs is a pair of good walking shoes and comfortable clothing to start walking. No expensive equipments are required. However, a lot of serious walkers choose to use Pedometer, a small device that counts the number of steps taken. Advanced pedometers also calculate the number of calories burnt.

Getting the most of your walking

For best results, follow these simple rules:

The right posture – The correct posture is essential for walking right. While walking, hold the head up high, the spine straight and look ahead. Keep your arms loose so that they swing when you walk.

Breathing – It is important to keep breathing. Never stop or skip breaths. If you find breathing difficult, then slow down your pace.

The pace – Have a brisk pace while you walk.Take long smooth strides with your arms swinging for balance. But not so fast that it is inequivalent to running. Increase you pace slowly and continue with one that you are comfortable with.

Listen to your body – If you feel any strain or pain while you are walking, then stop immediately. Walking should be fairly effortless. If you face discomfort then take medical help.

Walking equipments

Shoes – It is important to have shoes which provide support to all parts of the foot and are comfortable.

Is lightweight.

Provides firm support to the heel.

Has enough toe space for you to wriggle them.

Have a flexible cushioned sole to absorb shock.

Made of breathable material, like leather, which allows your feet to breath and the perspiration to dissipate

Clothing – Wear clothing which is comfortable and is loose fiitting. Avoid rubberized clothing. During winters, wear lightweight wollens to keep you warm. In case of strong breeze, wear a windproof jacket.

Pedometer – Athough this equipment is not required, many serious alkers use it to gauage the number of steps and the distance covered. Advanced pedomaters also calculate the caloies burnt.

So, just grab you walking shoes, change into something comfotable and get walking to health!

Tags: Exercise, health, healthy living, ICICI Lombard, walking