Walking for Exercise
Walking is easier on your body than exercise that is more vigorous, such as running and competitive sports. But just because it doesnt put too much strain on your body dont get the wrong impression that it isnt good exercise. Walking can be tailored to most fitness levels and health needs. A walking for fitness program can start slowly and increase as you build stamina and strength, without any equipment, and it is free.
Walking is a whole body workout
Have you ever just watched someone walk? Not a racer, and not someone ambling along, but just a normal person walking quickly. Their body moves in synchronized motion, all of the joints, muscles, and tendons. The feet, ankles, calves, knees, thighs, and hips work in rhythm, and it doesn’t stop there.
The upper body is working as well. At a normal pace, a walkers arms swing in rhythm with the rest of their body. Not the small closely held motion of a runner, but full arm swings. The back, midriff, chest and shoulders roll with the motion as well. The walker’s head is erect, and though the head does not move, supporting the head as the body moves exercises the neck as well.
Advantages of Walking
The U.S. Governments Stepping Out program reports, “Doctors say that people who walk regularly can often attain better long-term health and suffer fewer injuries than someone who exercises more vigorously because walking has minimal impact on your bones and joints.”
Even moderate stretching required by some activities may be a problem for seniors or others with joint problems, but if you can walk, you can walk for fitness.
Benefits of Walking
Some specific benefits of walking for exercise Harvard Medical School notes are:
Additional benefits I have noticed during my own walking program are fewer headaches, greater flexibility, and improved coordination. Once into a progressive walking routine, adding walking poles to the plan can increase the benefit without spending more time.
Similar Posts:
- The 5-Minute Workout
- Correcting Posture With a Custom Exercise Program
- Natural Ways to Improve Cardiovascular Fitness
- Beating Sciatic Nerve Pain With Exercise
- Get the Most Out of Your Treadmill Workout
