Walking 1 Hour a Day
or
10,000 Steps!
Take a Walk to a New You!

Walking! What else revs up your metabolism, decreases your appetite, relieves stress, calms jangled nerves, and can, depending on the time of day, renew your soul? This gentle exercise that can be done anytime , anywhere, and by most persons.

Taking a walk outside,watching the changing seasons is the best part of this exercise. Being aware of the subtle changes that occur to herald each of the four seasons as they slide one into the other is interesting. Much better than a session on a treadmill. Every season has it's rewards; the sights sounds and smells will change, one flowing into the other as the seasons do. This is such a wonderful way to stay in touch with your surroundings and neighborhood. Stay limber and active, and alive without stressing out joints or muscles. There is a theory that if you get in 10,000 steps a day, you will have done all the exercise you need. I've done 10,000 steps, and it was not easy. I am thrilled if I get anywhere over close to 7,000 a day but I am working on it.

I do most of my ourside strolling alone. If that is not your style, make sure you have a partner who has the same stride and pace as you do or one of you will be frustrated with having to adjust your cadance.

Here are the benefits:

  • Manage your weight.
  • Control your blood pressure.
  • Decrease your risk of heart attack.
  • Boost"good" cholesterol
  • Lower your risk of stroke.
  • Reduce your risk of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes.
  • Avoid the need for gallstone surgery.
  • Protect against hip fracture.
  • Prevent depression
  • Prevent colon cancer
  • Prevent constipation
  • Prevent osteoporosis
  • Prevent impotence (take that man of yours with you!)
  • Lengthen lifespan
  • Lower stress levels
  • Relieve arthritis and back pain
  • Strengthen muscles, bones, and joints
  • Improve sleep
  • Elevate overall mood and sense of well-being.

All of this from a walk! Keep it steady - the most important thing is to do this daily, even if you only have 15 minutes, 30 minutes, whatever time you have make it a daily routine. Don't feel like you must keep up with the 25 or 30 year old who just whizzed by you, go at your own pace, fast enough to be moving, but not so fast you can't carry on a conversation. You will thrive and feel the difference!

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