Physical exercise, carried out on a consistent and frequent basis, is a very important factor in raising health and fitness levels and lowering the risk of – or avoiding – many health problems and diseases. Most of us are aware of this – but it can be difficult to find the motivation to take regular exercise. Aside from the fact that many people will perceive exercise as physically draining, dull and expensive (gym membership fees cost a lot of money), it can also be difficult to find the time for exercise in your busy and demanding daily schedule.

Walking is one form of exercise which the majority of us perform every day. It is, therefore, a very important factor in determining the overall health and fitness level of an individual. If carried out on a regular basis, walking has the potential to provide many health benefits. It can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke as well as reducing blood pressure levels. It can help combat anxiety and depression. It will help you to sleep better at night – and you will have more energy and feel generally better. It can reduce the risk of contracting certain types of cancer. Recent research suggests that it may even help to avoid Alzheimer’s disease. And of course, it will burn calories, build muscle and help you to lose weight.

All that you need to get started is a good comfortable pair of shoes. There’s no need for any special equipment and you can fit walking into your day as and when it suits you. If you can walk for 30 minutes a day, 3 or 4 times a week, you will soon start to see – and feel – results. If you can gradually build up to 10,000 steps a day – roughly equivalent to 5 miles – you will really notice a difference. You will feel better and look better.

If, having gradually increased the distance and time that you walk for each day, you would like to get more out of your walking workout, then you could try Nordic walking. Nordic walking is a fairly recent development which originated in Finland when skiers wanted a method of keeping fit in the summertime and a means to prepare for the winter skiing season. Basically, it involves walking with adapted ski poles. It’s a bit like skiing without the skis – or the snow.

There are two main advantages to Nordic walking. Firstly, it utilises the upper body and promotes activity in muscles which are not normally heavily used during normal walking activity. Secondly, it reduces the load on the lower body muscles and joints.

These two factors result in even further benefits in comparison with conventional walking. There is a 20 to 40% increase in the rate of energy expenditure – and the additional upper body movement promotes agility and flexibility.There is less stress in the lower body muscles and joints as a consequence of reduced lower body loading. For some walkers, the use of poles might have safety benefits – and this could allow people recovering from injury or illness to get a higher intensity workout than would otherwise be possible.

Whether you go for Nordic or conventional walking, the prospective health benefits are very worthwhile for you. Before you start out on any new exercise program you should seek the advice of your doctor – especially if you haven’t exercised for a while or if you have any medical conditions. However, if you’re sensible and start off gradually, then you will be able to gain some very real and significant health benefits by walking.

Boost the effectiveness of your walking workout with Fitflops fitness shoes. They’re specially designed to increase the amount of work your lower body muscles perform during normal walking activity. Both women’s and men’s Fitflops are available in a wide choice of colors and styles.

exercise · fitness · health · lose weight · Uncategorized · walking · weight loss · workout

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