Take a Walk
These days, exercise is hardly news–most of us are aware of the importance of exercise in a balanced lifestyle. We’ve all heard about the benefits to our well-being– physical, emotional and psychological.
As busy people, stress plays an important role in our lives and exercise is a great way to unwind. Yet with the many demands on our time, both at work and at home, it can be difficult to find the time for physical activity. If you’ve been looking for a way to fit fitness into your day, walking may be just what you’re looking for.
Why walk?
Aerobic activity is essential to good health. Twenty minutes or more of aerobic activity three to five times a week will strengthen your heart and increase your body’s ability to use oxygen. In short, you will become a more efficient machine. This is important if you are interested in losing weight or maintaining your weight as you grow older. Increasing your body’s efficiency means boosting your metabolism. The higher your metabolism, the more calories you burn during exercise. Walking is a great way to add aerobic activity to your daily routine.
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Walking is easy. It does not require a great deal of expensive equipment. It does not require a special location, good weather or an excessive amount of time. You can walk anywhere, anytime and with anyone (or no one at all). That’s what makes it so much fun.
Make the time.
“Wonderful!” you say. “I have a great way to get exercise, but I still don’t have the time to do it!”
There is a solution! Peter Lawson, hiker and president of the Skyline Hikers of the Canadian Rockies, suggests taking “Mini walks”. Here are some ways that you can take advantage of a few free minutes in your day to get moving:
1. SneakerNet – Rather than having the department downstairs send you what you need, walk down and get it yourself. It may not be as time-efficient, but the extra activity in your day will make you a more productive employee in the long run.
2. Take the stairs – If you are only a few floors up, try taking the stairs both to and from work. If you work on the thirtieth floor, and you aren’t feeling up to the challenge, try taking a few flights of stairs before you get on the elevator. Always take the stairs on your way down. Climbing stairs is a great way to tone the thighs, calves and buttocks.
3. Mall walk – Make the most of your shopping trips. Park as far from the store entrance as possible and enjoy the walk to the door. Park at the shopping mall entrance that is farthest from the store you need and enjoy the window shopping along the way.
4. Shop locally – Don’t get into your car and drive to the supermarket for a loaf of bread. Instead, put on your running shoes and walk to the corner store.
5. Miss your stop – Get off the bus a few stops before your own or walk a couple of blocks before you catch your ride.
6. Walk your lunch – Take a short walk before you eat lunch, instead of your lunch or to get to your lunch.
Even these few extra minutes of walking every day can give you more energy, reduce your stress and improve your over-all health. If you plan to do more walking, make sure you have proper shoes, that you stretch properly before you go and include a warm-up and cool-down period in the time you have allotted for your walk.
Learn more information on the benefits of walking at The Walking Connection and Walking.org
