Walking Helps

One of the best exercise for most people, requires no special equipment, can be done just about anywhere, and can be equally enjoyable done alone or with a small group. It is also free. What is this wonderful recession proof exercise? Walking.

Even the most sedentary person can start a walking routine. Just start out walking 5 minutes a day, then each day increase your walk by a minute. Soon you’ll be walking 10-15 minutes. Remember every minute of walking can extend your life by 1.5 to 2 minutes!

Here are a few facts about walking to get you started

• Walking an extra 20 minutes each day will burn off 7 pounds of body fat per year.
• Helps control your appetite
• Improves efficiency of your heart and lungs
• Helps relieve stress
• Increases your energy
• Slows aging
• Reduces levels of cholesterol in your blood
• Lowers high blood pressure
• Helps control and prevent diabetes
• Prevents colds by increasing your immunity
• Raises your metabolism so you are burning calories faster, even while you rest

Fitness Solution

Find ways to incorporate walking into your daily routine. Another tip is to take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk to the stores if they’re close by.  If you drive to the store, park as far from the door as possible.  If you visit a friend who doesn’t live too far away, leave the car at home and walk there!

Research shows adults who are physically active in their 50s and early 60s are about 35 percent less likely to die in the next eight years than those who are sedentary. So get up, grab a friend, get going and get healthy!