Walk Your Way to Health
That’s right, the simple regimen of walking twenty minutes a day can help you lose 7lbs in a calendar year, according to Rosemary Ellis, the editorial director of Prevention Magazine.
While many mistakenly believe that walking doesn’t provide enough cardio-vascular activity in order to lose weight, Ellis, in an interview on The Today Show with Katie Kouric, says that walking at a quick pace can be of enormous benefit to those who wish to slim down.
Walking is also one of the safest exercises as well, since it not as hard on the body as are other forms of exercise.
Other health benefits include a significant reduction in the risk of diabetes, heart disease and strokes. Ellis says that walking can even lower a woman’s risk of breast cancer. In general, exercise over all is very helpful in preventing many forms of cancer.
Ellis advises that the best way to walk safely and with maximum benefit is to:
�Stand up straight.
�Bend your arms at a 90-degree angle.
�Remember that pace is more important than taking long steps.
âÂ?¢Try to average around ten thousand steps a day. When you realize that an average person takes four to five thousand steps a day doing daily activities, ten thousand doesn’t sound nearly as daunting as it would otherwise.
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cquiring the proper footgear is important. Ellis says that the best choice is to purchase a pair of dedicated walking shoes. Walking shoes bought from independently owned athletic footwear stores usually provide much better service.
The advantages they provide often involve giving you a much better fit. Ellis advises shoes that have a big, roomy heel box and making sure that they’re a half size larger than your normal shoe size.
Ellis also says to be sure to look for shoes that have some give in the upper sole but that are also very firm along the arch. They should also be laced up tight around the middle of the foot for better support.
Socks are also important. They should be very thick. Ellis advises consumers to avoid using cotton socks, since it is important to have socks that transfer moisture away from your feet. Other important additions include:
�Hats with reflective material built into them. They allow you to remain visible late at night or early in the morning. You can get one at www.illuminite.com for $20.
âÂ?¢A “Doberman Power Button Bodyguard” that glows and gives a high-pitched sound in case of trouble is also a great choice. You can purchase one at www.dobermanproducts.com for $30.
�A pedometer is also a good thing to take along to keep track of your progress. A good one with the added convenience of an mp3 player can be had at www2.oregonscientific.com for $150.
