SmartHomeOwners

When you think of daily exercise, you might picture lifting weights at the gym or visiting your local track and running a couple of miles.  Perhaps a daily bike ride comes to mind.  In reality, walking can be just as effective and is certainly not as strenuous as many other physical activities.  Walking has so many health benefits and it's an activity that most people (with fairly decent health) can do.  Let's look at these benefits and some ways you can "walk" to a healthy life.

Benefits of Walking

Probably the number one benefit of walking is it promotes heart health.  It can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke because walking strengthens the heart and enables it to pump more blood throughout your body with less effort.  And hopefully as your weight decreases - thanks to daily walking - your heart health will improve even more.  The less weight your body has and the more active you become, then the less strain there will be on your heart to do its job.

Also directly related to heart health is blood pressure.  Walking along with a healthy diet can help keep your blood pressure regulated.  If you are currently taking blood pressure medication, your doctor may release you from the medication if you build your heart strength by walking and eating healthier.  Walking also helps prevent stroke, increase good cholesterol levels, reduce risk of type 2 diabetes and breast cancer, and strengthen your hips and leg muscles.

Some indirect advantages of walking include help with depression and anxiety, relieves stress, improves sleep, and elevates your mood and overall feeling of well being.

Walking Takes Time...but You Have More Time than You Think!

Sure, walking does take a committment, time and effort.  If you plan to walk an hour each day, consider breaking up your time into 15 or 20 minute sessions.  Walk during your breaks at work even if only fifteen minutes and then walk during a portion of your lunch break.  Park your car further away from the door when you go to the office, a shopping center or even to see a movie!  This gives you extra walking time during regular activities without disrupting your schedule. 

Walk with a friend or your spouse.  It's a good idea to commit to walking with someone each day or at least several times per week.  This will keep you accountable even when you don't feel like walking, and the conversation can prevent boredom!  Another great boredom-buster while walking is to take along a walkman or iPod.  Listen to your favorite music while walking or pop in a motivational CD.  You'll be surprised at how quickly the time goes by when you have something to listen to.

Other Ways to Walk Your Way to Good Health

Make an effort to walk instead of ride when you go shopping or visit a nearby store.  Perhaps you need a few items from the convenience store down the street.  It's usually a one or two minute drive in your vehicle, but walking will take five to ten minutes longer.  Use this as an opportunity to get some extra walking in for the week.  Also, visit local parks with your kids where you will have to walk numerous trails and explore nature.  This is good exercise for the entire family...and a great way to relieve stress!  And don't forget the occasional walk to your neighbor's home for a friendly visit.

Once you start thinking of ways to walk more, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to walk for good health every single day.