Walking For Exercise - What Could Be Better

Many people shy away from exercise as they imagine that it will be too taxing for them. It's as if they think that they need to already be fit before they can get in shape. It's hardly surprising that many of us tend to associate getting in shape with high energy fitness routines and getting hot, sweaty and out of breath.

In a similar vein, it's hard for a lot of people to believe that a low impact, relatively low intensity workout like walking could provide very significant health benefits, help with weight loss and help you to get in shape. However, that's precisely what walking - an activity which requires no special equipment, training or expertise, and one which we all do on a daily basis - can do for you if you do it on a regular basis.

When you look at the health benefits that walking can deliver, your feelings of disbelief are only likely to increase. Walking on a regular basis can help to improve the operating efficiency of the lungs and also lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can help to reduce your blood pressure level. It can help to fight depression, boost your energy levels and help you to sleep better at night. It can help to reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer. Recent studies in the UK even seem to suggest that it may be effective in fighting Alzheimer's disease. It can certainly help you to get in shape and lose weight.

You might think, looking at that list, that it was an advert for some new wonder drug or expensive health supplement. No wonder that it's difficult to credit. It's also worth mentioning that - other than a good, comfortable pair of shoes - you don't need any special equipment to get started on a walking exercise routine. Neither is it an expensive activity - there are no expensive gym membership fees to pay each month. You also have the convenience of being able to fit it into your day whenever it suits you best.

Health professionals seem to agree that we should be targeting 10,000 steps a day on a regular basis in order to get the health benefits previously discussed. That equivalent to just under five miles for most people, although it depends upon your stride length somewhat. It sounds like a fair old distance - but it's a lot easier to achieve than you might imagine. Walk to work and leave the car at home. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Get off the bus a stop before your destination and walk the last leg of your journey. These are just a few random examples of potential ways to boost your daily step count - there are plenty more, and they all add up.

If you have any medical conditions, if you are over forty years of age, or if you just haven't taken much exercise for a while, then you should certainly get your doctor's advice and opinion prior to embarking on any new fitness regime. However, as long as you start off slowly and build up over time, walking will improve your health and fitness levels. More to the point, you will feel better and look better.