March to Good Health
With the cold winter finally behind us, the sun is staying out longer and the consistently nice weather is right around the corner! We all like being able to get outside and be more active. If you are one of the many people looking to take steps towards living a healthier life, start with just that - taking steps!
I recommend walking to anyone looking to start a new exercise program. Walking is a great form of aerobic exercise that has minimal impact on your joints and lets you enjoy the fresh air and being outdoors. Walking has numerous health benefits and doesn't require high-tech or fancy equipment or a gym membership. You can walk just about anywhere, a park trail, a track, around the perimeter of the office where you work, around your neighborhood and many more places. You can choose when to go for a walk anytime, whether it's the first thing in the morning, after dinner or even during your lunch break at work.
People who exercise with walking face less incidence of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other preventable diseases.
The numerous benefits of walking include:
- Managing your weight
- Burning fat and calories
- Controlling your blood pressure
- Reducing your risk for heart attack, cancer, stroke and diabetes
- Elevating your healthy (HDL) cholesterol
- Strengthening your bones, muscles and joints
- Reducing your risk for fractures
- Relieving arthritis pain
- Improved sleep
- Decreased stress
- Increased lifespan
With all of these benefits, it's easy to see why so many people are choosing walking as a form of exercise. So with spring almost here and the nice weather starting to become more of a permanent thing, make walking a part of your exercise routine and start taking more steps towards a healthier life!
For more information on the benefits of walking, visit these websites:
AARP
About.com
The Mayo Clinic
The Walking Site