Do you find yourself, like many people, in the position where you would like to take more exercise but, for a variety of reasons, you just never seem to get round to it? Certainly, there’s no shortage of reasons -or excuses – for not taking exercise. Lack of energy, not enough time, lack of specialized equipment – these are just a few examples of why it’s so often easier to miss out on exercise than to just get on and do it. Factor in the high cost of monthly gym membership fees and it’s no wonder that many of us get much less exercise than we would wish.

What if there was a way to exercise that required no special equipment, which was easy to do and which didn’t need you to get all hot and sweaty? It would probably be a lot easier to get yourself motivated to take exercise on a more regular basis. Were it also a form of exercise that could be performed whenever it was easiest for you, then that would be better yet.

Thankfully, there is a form of exercise which ticks all of those boxes, albeit you may not have thought about (in terms of exercise at least). Walking is something that most of us do every day. There’s no need for any training, special equipment or expertise. As long as you have a comfy pair of shoes you can get started on a walking exercise program. Another very significant advantage that walking for exercise offers is that it is practically free – no gym fees to pay. Neither do you have to schedule in a trip to the gym – walking can slot right into your day whenever you have a spare few minutes.

What’s more, the potential health benefits of walking read like an advert for some new miracle drug. It can lower your blood pressure level. It helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. It increases lung capacity. It helps you to sleep better at night. It helps to combat depression. It boosts your energy levels. It even helps to stave off certain types of cancer. And, of course, it helps you to build muscle, lose weight and get in shape.

Most health professionals seem to be in agreement that 10,000 steps a day is a good target for anyone who wishes to achieve the previously mentioned health benefits. That’s a little under five miles for someone with an average stride length.

It does sound like a long way, but you would probably be surprised at just how easy it actually is to achieve. Walking to work or school and leaving the car in the garage once or twice a week is a good start. Getting off the bus one or two stops early and finishing the last leg of your journey on foot is good. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator will help. When you do use your car, parking in a corner of the lot away from the entrance so that you have further to walk will boost your step count. There are plenty of ways to get to the 10,000 step figure. Every little helps.

Be sensible and start off slowly at first. If you haven’t exercised for a while, or if you have any medical conditions, then talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise regime. However, walking is a low impact, low injury risk form of exercise which, as previously discussed, offers many potential health benefits if carried out on a regular basis. You will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you see and feel the benefits.

Discover how Fitflops exercise shoes can boost the effectiveness of your walking workout. Try using an Omron pedometer to monitor your progress and help you to keep motivated.

categories: health,fitness,weight loss,lose weight,exercise,workout,walking,uncategorized