Walking for fitness

If you were wondering how you can introduce more physical exercise in your life, you have probably neglected walking. Walking is one of the best low-impact exercises around, suiting most people and allowing them to lose excessive fat, as well as maintain their desired body weight, reduce the risk of developing certain diseases and improve their overall physical condition. Amazingly, a regular routine of walking can keep you safe from diabetes type 2, osteoporosis, heart disease and various other health conditions.

Variants of Walking

If you want to use walking as an exercise routine, you have to know that there are two different types of walking, power walking and race walking. While the former is a form of recreational exercise, the latter is mainly referred to as a sports activity. Either way, whichever walking type you choose, you are bound to reap wonderful, healthy benefits and stay fit. Moreover, you do not even need a professional walking routine in order to achieve this. Rather, taking your dog for a walk or taking a stroll up town will be quite enough.

The Walking Procedure

If you neglect your safety and the health of your body, you may get hurt, even when you perform walking. So, prepare yourself well by wearing comfortable shoes and loose-fitting clothes granting your body adequate perspiration. Naturally, if the weather is a bit harsh or rainy, you should modify your clothes so that you remain safe and protected. A 5 minute slow walk is a great way of starting your routine. Then, once you got your body going, perform stretches for your muscles. The process should last for about 5 minutes as well. Once this is done, start walking.

Overstriding is something you want to avoid, because it might lead to injuries. Rather, concentrate on pushing yourself off, landing your foot close to the rest of your body, focusing on walking from heel to toe, rotating the hips as you walk, keeping the torso straight. The elbows should be kept at 90 degrees and your hands should be relaxed, moving forwards and backwards as you walk. Keep your neck muscles relaxed and your eye fixated on the path you are taking in front of you.

Positive Sides of Walking

Walking keeps your heart healthy, increasing good cholesterol. Also, it regulates your blood pressure and keeps you safe from diabetes type 2. Additionally, it makes your bones strong and resistant to diseases which may affect them.

Furthermore, with every walking session you take, you will be safer from cancer of colon and breast. Gallstones are kept at bay through walking too. Finally, your overall fitness levels will increase and you mental health will benefit greatly.