Okay, so maybe you don't have to run, but you can walk for your life. Walking is the best exercise for young and old alike. Why? You don't have to buy a gym membership or invest in expensive equipment that takes up space in your home. You don't need a partner, although it is fun and motivational to have a walking buddy. You just need a good pair of walking shoes. It's that easy.
So take this chiropractor advice: start walking and start the rest of your life on your best foot. The health benefits of walking are astronomical. Studies have shown that regular walking can help you lose and maintain a healthy weight, improve your flexibility and muscle strength, stimulate your brain and protect against memory loss, and reduce your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Now that's something to walk about.
Chiropractors recommend starting slow and working your way into a more vigorous walking routine. If you have not been active in a while or are concerned about a past injury, a quick visit to your local chiropractor for a check-up and one-on-one exercise advice is a good idea.
Start with five to ten minutes at a time and be sure to warm up by walking at a slow pace to help prevent injury. You can increase your time and pace gradually over a few weeks. Try to set a goal for 30 minutes of walking a day for several days a week. The 30 minutes can be consecutive or broken into mini walking sessions such as three 10 minute walks a day. Keep a log of your goals and progress. Investing in an inexpensive pedometer can also help you gauge your progress. A healthy goal is 10,000 steps a day. Half of that is considered sedentary and will not help you achieve your health goals.
Walk at the mall. Walk at the office. Park further back in the parking lot and walk through the parking lot. Walk at home. Walk in your neighborhood. Walk anywhere you get a chance. Be sure to be safety conscious. Don't walk alone if you don't feel safe in an area and only walk in well lit areas. If you tend to walk at dusk or dawn, consider wearing a reflective vest or belt and always carry your cell phone in case you need to call for help. Walk the dog or adopt a dog from your local shelter to be your new walking buddy. Walk with a neighbor or a family member. For family outings try to pick more active locations such as the park or zoo rather than dinner and a movie.
Once you have established a good walking program that suits your lifestyle and needs, you will find that you will become addicted to walking. It's easy. It's invigorating. You will have more energy and you will sleep better. You will look better and feel better and everyone will wonder where you found the fountain of youth.
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