Never knew walking could change my life!
After recovering from plantar fascitis at the end of last year, I was afraid to jog, walk and practically to do any vigorous exercises just in case I hurt my foot again. All I did was cycling in my gym. What a bore!
It was during last summer in London that I tried walking in the park. I began to realize I could walk for miles and my foot was fine. I love to walk, it makes me feel good and I walk in the morning, normally from 7 to 9 am. Walking in pleasant surroundings like in a park is a pleasure to walk in and gives me the opportunities for relaxation. The fresh air, the greens, the flowers and beauty I find in the park has such a positive effect on my feelings of wellbeing. After a month's daily ritual of brisk walking and some yoga stretches in between, my health has improved, I am more fit and most importantly it helps to take off extra weight and keep it off. Without fail, I am still walking every morning and it has become part of my daily needs and not wants!
Through some of my Facebook posts on my walks, I have received an enquiry from a close buddy of mine who is eager to know my 'technique' of brisk walking. I believed I have inspired her and I wish to encourage her to walk for a better health, walk my dear! Trust me!
Walking is such a good form of exercise that I wanna share the pleasure of walking with others and to inspire everyone, if you are not into walking, to start walking to stay strong, fit and healthy.
Walking is actually a low pact exercise with numerous health benefits. It can ease you into a higher level of fitness and health. Walking is one of our body's most natural form of exercise. It is safe, simple, doesn't require practice and the health benefits are many.
Brisk is best! A simple way to work out how briskly you should walk is to walk fast without overexertion and still able to hold conversations. At the same time I like to swing my arms forward and backwards, a chance to get rid of 'sausage arms', LOL.
If you can't walk far or don't have the time, just a 30 minute walk daily will suffice as recommended by experts for general health. Did you know it can cut the risk of heart disease in women by as much as 40% according to a recent Harvard Study?
Walking can:
* improve circulation
* helps breathing
* improve your mood, combats depression
* bolsters the immune system
* helps prevent osteoporosis
* helps control weight
* helps and prevents control diabetes.
And did you know that brisk walking has the same benefits you would get from aerobics, jogging and other vigorous exercises?
The only equipment you need to walk is a good pair of walking shoes. So before you set out, select your comfortable footwear with a well cushioned heel, good arch support and enough room for your toes to wiggle. Dress in loose fitting clothes and in layers if you need to adjust to changing temperatures. Choose clothes appropriate for the weather.
Warming up - this is a must. I would normally start walking slowly for 5 minutes to warm up muscles.
Stretching - After warming up, I would do some stretching of my calf, quadriceps and hamstring muscles. If you do yoga, sun salutation would give the stretch needed. Yoga-ing outdoor is fun!
Remember to cool down after each walking session by taking a slow walk for about 5 minutes.
Then it's time for a cup of tea, that's when I will make a beeline to the Lido Cafe at The Serpentine Hyde Park.
I have 2 doctors, my left leg and my right.
~ George Trevelyan, 1913
I 've been through every diet under the sun and I can tell you that getting up, getting out and walking is always the first goal.
~ Oprah Winfrey
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