Are you one of the very many people who would like to take more exercise but, for whatever reason, you just can’t seem to get around to it? There are certainly enough reasons – or excuses – to avoid taking exercise. Lack of time, lack of energy, lack of the right equipment, lack of training – there are plenty of justifiable reasons why it’s easier to skip exercise than get on and do it. Considering also the fact that exercise can be costly – monthly gym fees can be very expensive – it’s perfectly understandable that so many of us get a lot less exercise than we should.
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.
Fortunately, such a form of exercise does exist – although you may not have considered it. Walking is an activity that we all perform every day. It needs no training, expertise or special equipment. As long as you have a good, comfortable pair of shoes you’re all set. It’s also a very cost effective method of exercising – and you can slot it into your daily routine whenever you like.
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.
According to health professionals, in order to achieve all of these benefits, we should aim to take 10,000 steps a day. For the average person, that’s equivalent to a distance of between four and a half and five miles – although if you have a very long or very short stride length then this may vary somewhat.
Whilst that may sound like a long way, you would probably be surprised at just how easy it is to achieve. Leaving the car at home and walking to work once or twice a week is a good start. Or, if you travel by bus or subway, get off one or two stops in advance of your final destination and complete your journey on foot. If you do decide to take the car, then don’t feel guilty about it. Just park in the corner of the parking lot so that you have further to walk to the entrance. Go for a ten or fifteen minute stroll during your lunch break. The possibilities are endless – and they soon add up.
Take it easy when you’re starting out. Start off slowly and build up gradually whenever you feel comfortable to do so. Because walking is a low impact, low injury risk, workout it is suitable for the vast majority of people. However, if you are over forty, if you have any medical conditions, or if you haven’t taken regular exercise for some time, then do seek medical advice before you embark upon any new exercise regime.
Discover how Fitflops exercise shoes can boost the effectiveness of your walking workout. They are specially engineered to increase the amount of work done by the lower body muscles when walking. Both women’s and men’s Fitflops are available in a wide range of styles and colors.