Did you know that walking is just about the perfect exercise? Why, because almost everyone can do it, and you can do it anywhere. You don't need any special equipment, and you don't need money. Our bodies were made for walking, so the more of it you do, the better!
Exercise is just downright good for you. If you name any random 10 medical conditions and diseases, I’m willing to bet money that some form of frequent exercise is a good treatment or preventative measure for at least 9 of them. Diet and exercise are touted as treatments and preventative measures in so many of the diseases that plague us today, and both diet and exercise are a good place to focus on if you're concerned about your health. Even just some simple walking for exercise can go a long way towards improving your health. Walking for exercise is fun, easy, and a great stress reducer.
The great thing about walking for exercise is that you can do it anywhere. You have absolutely no excuse for not getting up and walking around for at least 30 minutes each day. What if it’s raining out? Take an umbrella! Seriously, just get out for a short walk around the block a couple times and you’ll thank yourself for it later. If it's absolutely miserable out, just walking around your house or apartment a while is better than nothing. A lot of people do their winter walking in big indoor shopping malls!
Walking is a low impact exercise, so anyone of any age can do it safely and frequently without worrying about damaging themselves. Running and other more strenuous forms of exercise can cause all kinds of joint problems and soreness, and isn’t recommended unless you are in otherwise good shape. Even athletes who run frequently, and are in excellent condition, suffer injuries from too much high impact exercise.
Many recent studies into different forms of exercise have been undertaken, and they all show that walking is every bit as good for you as running or other more vigorous exercise, you just need to do it for longer to burn the same amount of energy and get the same cardiovascular benefits. If you are walking for exercise, go for at least 30 minutes or even an hour. The more the better, as you can’t hurt yourself by walking too much. If you can't find a full 30 minutes or hour to walk, then break your walking down into ten minute blocks. It's just as effective!
There are a lot of exercise programs that are beginning to promote the benefits of walking for exercise. As it is something virtually anyone that can walk can do, there is a huge target market for walking programs. I’d recommend any program that motivates you to walk frequently. Even without one, there are hiking and walking clubs all over the place which you can join. Not only can walking for exercise be a way to maintain good health, but it can be a good way to meet new people and form new networks. Walking with others also keeps you motivated, as you're less likely to make excuses not to go for your daily walk if you've agreed to meet a friend. Walking with others also makes the experience more fun!
With so many benefits, you can’t go wrong with walking for exercise. Its only drawback is that it takes time to do, but it is time well spent. What is the value of good health and longevity worth to you, after all? Many people have found that they actually get more productive hours in their day when they're fit, so that 30 minutes you spend could be well worth it over the long term.
