Walking for Health

Walking is a great form of low impact physical activity, that helps improve or maintain your overall physical health. Minimal equipment is required, can be done at anytime of the day, and is done at your level!

Walking Benefits
Some of the benefits of walking include increased lung and heart fitness. It can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as improve the management of hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and diabetes. Other benefits are reduced body fat, bone strengthening, and increased muscular endurance and strength.

Getting Started
By doing brisk walking 30 minutes a day you will experience the health benefits of walking.

If you are a new walker: walk 2 to 3 days per week.

If you are a seasoned walker: walk 3 to 5 days per week.

If it is too difficult to walk 30 minutes at once, start off by doing 10-minute bouts three times a day: one in the morning, one after lunch, and one before dinner. Your body will adjust and as your fitness improves you can gradually increase up to longer sessions.

How To Get A Walking Program Started

Heal Walking Technique
When walking for health a basic walking stride with focus on posture is important.

Keep your vision up and look straight ahead, making sure that your shoulders are over your hips and that you are not leaning too far forward or backward.

Swing your arms easily at your side, keeping the shoulders down and relaxed. Take natural strides and avoid stepping out too far in front of you.

Focus on picking up your feet and staying “light” on them.

Fitness Walking Technique
Increasing your walking pace for fitness involves a few modifications to your walking stride.

Bend the elbows to 90 degrees and swing your arms in time with your stride. Avoid letting your elbows become “chicken winged” by keeping them close to your body.

Keep your light heel stride but exaggerate the roll through your foot.