About the Author
Matt Ream
Founder and owner of
RYP Sports Inc. Matt is a fitness enthusiast and all around great guy.
Walking is simply one of the best exercises available. It is easy to do, anyone can participate, and no special equipment is required. Walking is a natural action for most people and is learned at a very young age.
Most people think of walking as just a way to get around, or something they have to do, instead of a great way to get in shape and feel better.
What do you need to do to make walking a beneficial, healthy part of your life?
First of all, commit to do it regularly. While some people are able to dedicate a 30 minute period to fitness walking, others are not. Fortunately, a specific block of time is not required.
A recent study published in the April, 2005 issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise© demonstrated that people who had a goal of trying to get to 10,000 steps per day, actually took more steps and walked farther than those who were instructed to walk for multiple 30-minute periods each day.
They used a pedometer to track this activity, which can be helpful for anyone who doesn't set aside a specific time.
Whether you go for a specific amount of time (the U.S. Government recommends 20-60 minutes, 3-5 times per week), or strap on a pedometer to motivate you to take extra steps throughout the day, the important thing is to do it.
Second, recruit some friends or family to go with you. Your walks will be more enjoyable and you will pass the time more quickly. You will all get healthier together by doing this.
There are time, as well, when you just need to walk alone. Thomas Jefferson told his nephew, Peter Carr, about the benefits of walking. He said never to take a book with you, as the point of walking is to (along with improving health) clear your mind. He did recommend taking a gun, however, which I do not!
Finally, if you are using a pedometer, it is important to track your steps--in writing. When you first get your pedometer, wear it around for a week as you go about your normal routine. Average the steps you take per day to establish your baseline.
Try to increase your steps by 10% per week. That will allow you to progress slowly which will decrease the chances of muscle strain while beginning to see benefits almost immediately.
Walking. Everyone does it, but everyone should do more of it!
Published by Matt Ream on September 30, 2005 01:24 PM
