A great many people avoid taking exercise as they suppose that it will be too much physical effort for them. It’s a bit of a vicious circle where it’s easy to imagine that you need to already have a certain level of fitness and endurance capability in order to get really fit. When you think about it, it’s no wonder that many of us make a mental link between getting fit and getting sweaty and out of breath.
Conversely, many people find it difficult to believe that a low impact, low intensity workout – based around activity which most people do every day without thinking about it – could deliver very significant health benefits and help you to make significant improvements to your overall level of health and fitness. However, that is precisely what walking, a low impact form of exercise which requires no special equipment, expertise or training, can do for you.
A quick look at the long list of health benefits which can be achieved through nothing more strenuous than walking on a regular basis is only likely to increase your sense of disbelief. Regular walking can boost the capacity of your lungs whilst reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It will help to lower your blood pressure level. It will help you to sleep better at night, boost your energy levels, make you feel generally better and help to combat depression. It can help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer – and recent research in the UK suggests that it may help to stave off Alzheimer’s disease. It will certainly help you to shed pounds and inches and get into better shape.
It reads like an advert for a miracle drug or an expensive health supplement. It’s hardly surprising that it’s difficult to credit. It’s also worth noting that you can get started on a walking fitness routine without any special equipment – apart from a comfortable pair of shoes that is. It is also, to all intents and purposes, free. There are no costly monthly gym membership fees to pay. Not only do you save money, but you can fit walking into your day whenever it suits you best.
The general consensus is that, if you can take 10,000 steps a day, you will achieve all of the health benefits previously mentioned. For most people, that equates to a distance of between four and a half and five mile a day – depending upon your height and stride length. It sounds a lot, but it’s easier to achieve than you might think. Leave the car at home and walk to work. Get off the bus or subway a stop or two early and finish your journey on foot. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. It all adds up.
If you haven’t exercised for a while, if you have any medical conditions, or if you’re over 40 years of age, then be sure to take medical advice before you start any new fitness programme. However, as long as you’re sensible and start off slowly, walking will, in all probability, be extremely good for your health. You will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you both see and feel the results.
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