Recently I began volunteering at my granddaughter’s school twice a week. I bring this up because I noticed an indoor track on my way home from her school a few weeks ago. I work out at our gym regularly, but with cold temperatures I have avoided getting outside to walk. I decided to try the indoor track. I was amazed at how good I felt immediately. I had been feeling stiff, and I felt I was not taking deep breaths. After walking I loved how I felt and I decided to keep it up. We have an outdoor track next door to our gym so I decided walking felt so great I would walk outside if the temperature was 45 or above. I always felt wonderful after my walks, so I decided to check with Mayo Clinic and do a little research.
It turns out that walking is one of the best things we can do for our over all health. According to Mayo Clinic a daily brisk walk can help us lead a healthier life.
Below is there list of health benefits:
- Prevent or manage heart disease, blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes
- Improve cardiovascular fitness
- Strengthen you bones and muscls
- Increase energy levels
- Improve muscle endurance
- Improve your mood, cognition, memory and sleep
- Improve balance and coordination
- Strengthen immune system
- Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat
Wow!! We all need to get a little more walking into our routine!The faster and more frequently we walk, the greater the health benefits. Mayo Clinic also suggests a good walking technique:
- Keep our head straight
- Keep our neck, shoulders and back relaxed
- Swing our arms freely
- Stomach muscles are tightened and our back is straight
- Walk smoothly rolling our feet from heel to toe.
Planning a routing is also important. I walk at a specific time each day, usually late morning. Do what ever works for you. We need the right shoes, and wear comfortable clothing. We also need to plan out an appropriate course. I like tracks, they feel safe. And remember to warmup, cool down, and stretch.
If walking isn’t enjoyable we won’t stick with it. I bring my iPhone and listen to music, podcasts, or anything I find interesting. Listening to something also makes the time pass quickly. Mayo suggest varying our routine. What ever it takes just do it! We won’t make it every day, but if we can set a goal of 3 to 5 times a week it is wonderful for our health, and more is even better.
When I think of how great I feel since I began walking, I can’t imagine not doing it. It has done a lot for my self esteem. I invite you to join me to get out and walk!
Cathy Dee 