Walking is a Great Way to Get Healthy
Physical activity is extremely important if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some people believe that if you are not running, then you aren’t burning enough calories to make it worth it. This is a myth and is definitely not true. Walking is a great way to burn calories and is great for those who do not enjoy running or are not able to run any longer.
What can Walking Do for You?
Walking is a great way to get the heart pumping and get calories burning. Walking can help to maintain a healthy weight, prevent heart disease and high blood pressure, strengthen bones, improve mood, and it can improve balance and coordination. Obviously the faster and further you walk, the greater the results.
Use your Walking Technique
When walking, it is all about the posture. Your head should stay up and continue looking forward and not looking down. The neck, shoulders and back should be relaxed and not too stiff. Swinging the arms at the side, bent slightly, is also a great way to increase the blood flow and burn extra calories. Tightening your stomach while walking can help to build abdominal muscles and ensure your back is straight and not arched. The walk should be smooth from heel to toe.
Get into a Walking Routine
Now that you are ready for the correct posture when walking, it is time to get a routine. First, is to get the proper walking gear. It is imperative that you have good walking shoes with proper arch support. The shoes should cushion your feet and absorb shock while walking. The clothes you choose to wear should be comfortable and appropriate for the weather. Secondly, choose a path that is clear and void of potholes and uneven sidewalks. If weather is not amenable to walking, consider going to the mall to do some indoor walking in a safe and temperature-controlled environment. When walking, start slow to perform your warm up and when you are finished walking continue to slowly walk to cool down. It is also imperative to stretch at the conclusion of your walk to ensure that muscles are released from their tension during the physical activity.
Set Goals
When you start the process of walking, it is a good idea to set goals for yourself. Start small and build yourself up to a goal of 30 minutes a day, which is what the American Heart Association recommends. If you can’t get to 30 minutes, try and do at least 10 minutes a day. When there are stairs, forego the elevator and take them. When you park at the store, park further away to allow yourself to get some walking in. Go shopping and walk around the mall and make the process seem like fun.
Walking is a great way to keep healthy and fit. A little bit can go a long way in providing a healthier lifestyle. Walk your way to a better you.
Dr David M. Spitz is the founder and clinic director of the Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, located in Bristol, CT. Since 1982, he has treated thousands of patients for various conditions ranging from neck and back pain, to migraine headaches. He specializes in treating patients who have suffered whiplash injuries and/or back injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
Dr Spitz was a volunteer EMT-I and a lieutenant for several years at the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department. He has lectured throughout CT on various topics including, chiropractic, stress management, headaches and preventing back injury in the workplace.
