I can truthfully admit that I am not the biggest fan of exercise. There are some things I have never enjoyed doing, such as jogging. There are other things that are more difficult for me to do since lung surgery, like almost everything that raises my heart rate. Walking is one activity that I can do, and actually enjoy. If I have someone to walk with me then I don’t mind walking at all. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why walking is a great low impact exercise.
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If your doctor suggested that you move around more or if you’re wanting to be proactive about your health, walking is a great way to accomplish both things. Part of the reasons walking is great is because it’s easy to do and you don’t need any special equipment to do it. Once you decide to do it you can start at whatever level you’re at. Just put on some comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, grab your cell phone or MP3 player if you like to listen to digital music or audiobooks and go!
If you’re like me and not in the best of shape, then a great way to start is by going for 15 minute walks around the neighborhood. Once you’re growing accustomed to that you can start to work your way up to longer distances or a quicker pace. You could also find a local park with a nice path you can walk on. Mix up your route and walk in different areas of town, or visit different parks. If you’re already in shape, walking is still beneficial, particularly if you incorporate more challenging terrain such as hills and stairs. If the weather doesn’t permit walking outside, head to your local mall and walk.
Inviting a friend to come along with you is another great way to enjoy walking. It’s always nice to have someone to talk to and having a walking buddy keeps you accountable.
You can even walk in place at home if you like. There are all sorts of treadmills available, ranging from basic models to ones with options that create conditions you mght find outdoots. Wondering how to build up stamina while walking indoors? If you’re using a service like Netflix, start by walking in place for 10 minutes in between episodes. Once you’ve mastered that you can then challenge yourself to march in place during an entire show. Time will fly while you’re having fun watching TV and moving.
The main thing is that you get up, move around, and get some exercise. Walking does that in a way that’s gentle on your joints, heart, and the rest of your body. Give it a try and see if you don’t start to feel better, happier, and stronger after a few weeks of regular walks!
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