As a fitness professional, I’ve heard it a thousand times, “I don’t like running, but everyone knows it’s the BEST exercise for losing weight and getting in shape…right”? Or is it wrong? It all depends. For many, it is the perfect activity. In fact, I am a professional runner and I'll go out on a limb and say that walking is probably best for MOST! WE should always be careful of statements that begin with ALWAYS and NEVER! That's why the first two Audio Cardio Fitness CD's we produced were, Walk Fit Volume I and Volume II! Run Fit came along over a year later. Why? Because Walking is the bomb and just about EVERYONE can do it!
But there's a scary, all too pervasive attitude out there that has almost created a type of prejudice when it comes to those who choose this activity. The assumption? It's just not fierce enough. This all too prominent misconception has a lot of people missing out on a very good thing and if we're not careful, we'll have folks throwing the baby out with the bath water so to speak. "I can't run, and walking doesn't cut it, so therefore, I'll just QUIT!" Don't laugh, I've heard it! Walking is one of the most user friendly and accessible fitness activities available to us today. In fact, studies show that even a moderate walking program of approximately 20 to 30 minutes per day can reap impressive rewards, but of course when time permits, especially if weight reduction is also a goal...take a couple of friends and shoot for an hour. The longer you can stay out there, the more calories it burns. Therefore, working can actually work WONDERS for weight control! But the benefits of walking go way beyond the battle of the buldge. Below are just a few of the health benefits that just might have you trying out my "Walk Fit Volume I or II".(Gotta love me for trying....)!
The list includes first and foremost, a reduced risk of heart disease. Walking can raise “good” HDL cholesterol levels while helping to assist in lowering high blood pressure. Walkers themselves report reduced feelings of tension, stress and overall fatigue, (sign me up). And as for the battle of the bulge, this little equation may shock you. A person weighing 150 pounds can expect to lose 10 to 12 pounds a year by just adding 20 minutes of walking to their schedule daily. As I mentioned earlier, want to lose more...simply walk more and pay attention to your daily caloric intake as well.
The added benefit here of course is a lowered risk of type 2 diabetes; a veritable plague on our Nation today. Moderate walking is an activity that most people STICK TO FOR A LIFE TIME.To sum it all up, here are my "TOP TEN REASONS TO WALK".........if you hear it enough, it just might sink in!
1) Manages your weight.
2) Controls blood pressure
3) Decreases Risk of Heart Attack
4) Boosts good Cholesterol (HDL), Lowers (LDL)
5) Lowers risk of stroke
6) Reduces your risk of breast cancer
7) Reduces risk of type 2 diabetes
8) Elevates overall mood and sense of well-being
9)Protects against hip fractures and osteoporosis in general
And my top ten reason to walk............
10) LENGTHENS YOUR LIFESPAN!!!!
....That may be the best news of all. So lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement and have no guilt if you choose not to run. Just make sure to move like somebody's chasing you!!!! After all, what do you have to lose other than things you most likely don’t want to keep!!
Until Tomorrow,
Don't walk like an egyptian,
Walk like your life depends on it. Truth is, it actually does!!!
Candace
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