Thursday, May 3, 2007

Walking to Improve Your Fitness

Walking is one of the most common physical activities we perform. However when using walking as a type of exercise, start slowly. Starting any exercise quite quickly can lead to injury. The same holds true even for walking.

It is an excellent workout for people leading a sedentary lifestyle or are grossly overweight. It is also a great choice for those who are recovering from an injury or undergoing rehabilitation.

The drop out rate in a walking program is much lower than in other types of exercise. It is far easier to take to walking for 20-30 minutes daily instead of other activities like aerobics, running, swimming or cycling. In all these other exercises you need special equipment or clothing and certain place to work out.

You can carry out your routine anywhere you want. It can be done indoors or outdoors. You can also walk indoors in many shopping malls that open early in the morning. Or walk on a treadmill in your home or the gym.

Walking is cheap, all you need is a pair of supportive shoes and any clothing you want. Moreover it is convenient. Walking lets you introspect daily. Many people regard this as the most creative time of their day as there are no external disturbances to bother them.

Walking with a partner provides you the dual benefits of socializing and exercising. While walking you should be able to talk or you are going very fast and should ease a bit. By increasing the intensity of walking very quickly, you actually lose the advantages.

When you start a program, it is essential to remember various factors. Make a promise to yourself. Set a short-term goal with the deadline of 4-6 weeks. Write down the goal and read it frequently. Honor your commitment, because it is the sole method of achieving your goals.

Though not necessary, carry a bottle of water with you and prevent dehydration. In walking, you don't sweat as profusely as with other exercises but you tend to cover a lot more distance while walking than running. Though sweat loss isn't obvious, you should still drink to retain your hydration.

It is easy to become bored with your walking routine if you stick to the same routes and times daily. Change the route and the time of day if possible. The area at dawn looks different from how it looks in the noon. Vary your routes, time of day, and your speed and bring along some friends. Make it interesting. You are more likely to stick to a schedule if it is interesting.

Walking enhances your overall wellness, respiratory system, joints, weight loss and circulation. It is free, convenient with a low drop out rate. As regards the exercise schedule goes, it provides a complete body workout. It will certainly make a difference in your life.