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Walking for Health

What do you think is the most popular form of exercise? Well, if you guessed walking, you’d be correct. After all, it’s free, it’s easy, it doesn’t require any fancy equipment or clothes, it’s convenient, there’s no set schedule and you can do it almost anywhere, anytime.

Health benefits of walking includes:

• Reduced risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease and diabetes
  
  
• Increased longevity
  
  
• Weight loss or maintenance
  
  
• Improved sleep
  
  
• Stronger bones
  
  
• Reduced incidence of depression
  
  
• Increase in the body’s “good” cholesterol
  
  
• Better muscle strength and balance

How to get started with a walking routine? First, get a good pair of shoes that have adequate arch support. Remember to stretch a bit, particularly the calves and hamstrings. Start out slow. Ease into it slowly and increase your pace and distance gradually until you’re where you want to be.

Just like any other type of physical activity, you need to walk on a regular basis if you want to see and feel the results. Many of us overlook those countless small opportunities to walk. Park further away from the supermarket entrance. Take the stairs.

A brisk walk for 30 minutes a day, every other day or so, will work wonders for your physical and mental health. So get up from behind the computer, grab a friend and start walking!