|
Home / Fitness
Walk Every Day
By:Jonathon Hardcastle
When it comes to exercise we each determine what we can or cannot do, and how hard we push ourselves. Some follow the all-or-nothing principle, believing that if exercise is good for you it has to be hard, even painful. Experts have recommended high-impact aerobic exercise as a means for increasing bone mass, but a review of numerous studies on aerobic exercise and bone mineral density suggests that walking just 30 minutes per day a few days a week is enough to moderately increase overall bone density. Specifically, an eight-year study of 13,000 people found that those who walked 30 minutes a day had a significantly lower risk of premature death than those who rarely exercised.
As a fitness activity, walking has become more popular over the years as it offers many health benefits:
- Consistent walking can help reduce body fat, cholesterol levels, increase cardiovascular endurance, resting heart rate and lower blood pressure.
- Regular walking, using a moderate intensity, strengthens the immune system, burns calories and keeps weight stable.
- Walking is a natural form of movement and, unlike high impact exercise, does not place excess stress on the joints and boosts bone strength.
- Studies suggest regular walking can help prevent colon cancer.
- Walking is an excellent way to prevent diabetes and heart disease, when combined with a proper diet.
A walking program is simple to start. All one needs are comfortable clothes and shoes; layer loose clothing and shoes specifically designed for walking are the best. One should also keep in mind that every workout should begin with a brief warm-up and a few simple stretches. Walking around the house or in place for a few minutes to get the blood flowing to the muscles before attempting to stretch them is a good strategy. Although walking primarily works the major muscles of the legs, people should not forget to stretch their back, shoulders and arms. This will help them loosen up any tension they may be carrying and make their walk more enjoyable as well as more effective. In addition, beginning walkers can make their workouts less strenuous by limiting how fast and far they walk and focus on good posture, keeping the head lifted and the shoulders relaxed, and move arms naturally.
The popularity of walking as a fitness activity is growing by leaps and bounds. Low risk and easy to start, walking has proved its health benefits in numerous studies. In fact, walking exercise helps strengthen bones because it forces them to bear weight, which is why high-impact exercise elicits even greater gains in bone density. Concluding, walking, the oldest form of exercise, just may be the key to achieving new levels of fitness, particularly for those who need to start with small, achievable goals to get, and stay, on track.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: Walking, Fitness, walking program, fitness activity
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Fitness, Food, and Nursing
|
|
| Top Fitness Articles |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 4). Elliptical Trainer Machine Reviews By : Susan Dean
The use of elliptical trainer machine reviews is a great thing. First of all, the machines themselves are outstanding because they can give you an excellent workout, one that is safe for your waistline as well as your joints, and they are relatively affordable compared to many home gyms.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 8). Ooh Thats Gotta Hurt - Avoiding Groin Injuries By : Julian Hall
In themselves, injuries around this area are especially difficult due to varied diagnosis of groin pain. It is very difficult to assess and ascertain the actual damage and reasons. Athletes have a frustrating time, if they suffer from groin injury due to the time it takes to heal, time spent away from the sport and seeking varied medical advice.
|
- 9). Impotence Cured With Mind Power By : Fame Ahmed
What is Impotence? Impotence is a man’s inability or difficulty to have or maintain an erection. Although a lot of physical causes may be attributed to Impotence, there are also psychological factors that lead to it.
|
- 10). Meditate to Unlock Your Hidden Potential – Part 2 By : Paul M. Jerard Jr.
You can be the creator of your own manifest destiny. Through daily meditation practice and focus on changing your life for the better. In fact, you have the ability to redefine yourself in any direction you desire. The power that you can cultivate is limited only by your own imagination.
|
| New Fitness Articles |
|
|
- 2). Setting Fitness Goals By : Jonathon Hardcastle
Many people make the mistake of setting their fitness goals too high when they embark on an exercise program. This leads them to abandon their plans out of frustration and impatience. Setting manageable goals is key to maintaining a fitness program over time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
