September Healthy Habit

Walking Makes a Difference

Walking is one of the best exercises you can do!

Every step you take makes a difference…

DID YOU KNOW THAT: If you walk just a mile a day, you can burn 100 calories, and it is highly probable that this can result in the loss of 10 pounds per year without even changing the way you eat!

WHY IS WALKING SO GOOD FOR YOU?

• It conditions your heart and lungs
• It strengthens your leg and back muscles
• Helps you lose weight
• Improves your bones
• Strengthens you for more strenuous exercises

WHEN TO WALK

• Walking in the morning is good because there is less commotion and less fumes
• Pace during calls, or while brushing your teeth
• During your work breaks, take a quick walk to loosen your muscles
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Park further away instead of right by the front door
• But ANY TIME is great!       

WALKING TIPS

• Find a good place to walk such as a track or sidewalk
• You may want to join a walking club; take a fitness walking class or get an accountability walking partner
• Make sure to have good shoes; they don’t have to be expensive or attractive but you need to have cushioned heels, a flexible sole with wide toes, and a comfortable collar
• Wear clothes that allow you to move freely and works well inside /outside
• Begin exercising with stretching and then an easy warm-up in order to prepare your muscles
• Start slow, increase your pace slowly, and do a warm-down to decrease your heart rate back to its resting position.