Do you find yourself, like many people, in the position where you would like to take more exercise but, for a variety of reasons, you just never seem to get round to it? Certainly, there’s no shortage of reasons -or excuses - for not taking exercise. Lack of energy, not enough time, lack of specialized equipment - these are just a few examples of why it’s so often easier to miss out on exercise than to just get on and do it. Factor in the high cost of monthly gym membership fees and it’s no wonder that many of us get much less exercise than we would wish.
What if there was a way to exercise that required no special equipment, which was easy to do and which didn’t need you to get all hot and sweaty? It would probably be a lot easier to get yourself motivated to take exercise on a more regular basis. Were it also a form of exercise that could be performed whenever it was easiest for you, then that would be better yet.
The good news is that this form of exercise does exist - walking. It’s something that we all do every day. It requires no special equipment, training or expertise - all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and you’re good to go. It’s also a very low cost way to take exercise - and you can fit it into your daily schedule whenever it’s convenient for you.
When you look at the potential health benefits of walking for exercise, you could be forgiven for thinking you were looking at an advert for some new miracle drug. It lowers blood pressure levels. It increases the efficiency of the lungs. It builds muscle and increases bone density. It lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can reduce the risk of certain cancers. It helps to fight anxiety and depression and also promotes better sleep. It boosts your energy levels and leaves you feeling generally better. It helps you to lose weight and get in shape.
Most health professionals seem to be in agreement that 10,000 steps a day is a good target for anyone who wishes to achieve the previously mentioned health benefits. That’s a little under five miles for someone with an average stride length.
It does sound like a long way, but you would probably be surprised at just how easy it actually is to achieve. Walking to work or school and leaving the car in the garage once or twice a week is a good start. Getting off the bus one or two stops early and finishing the last leg of your journey on foot is good. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator will help. When you do use your car, parking in a corner of the lot away from the entrance so that you have further to walk will boost your step count. There are plenty of ways to get to the 10,000 step figure. Every little helps.
You should exercise a little common sense and start out slowly, building up gradually only when you feel comfortable to do so. If you are over forty or have any medical conditions then you should get the advice of your doctor before you commence any new exercise program. However, as walking is a low intensity, low impact and low injury risk method of taking exercise, it should be suitable for the vast majority of people and, as discussed earlier, the potential health benefits are enormous.
Have a look at the huge selection of styles available from Fit flops - sandals, boots, clogs and slippers. Try using an Omron pedometer to monitor your performance and help you to stay motivated.