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Walking
your way to perfect health
If you don’t
have the time, but want to get in shape, you may have found the perfect
solution. Unlike many other types of sporting activities, walking can be
done anywhere and at any time, and doesn’t require a change of clothing or
any special equipment. Just don a pair of comfortable shoes and you’re set!
For those who manage an extremely busy and pressurised lifestyle, walking
can easily be incorporated into their tight schedule. Making a point of
taking the stairs instead of the lift or allocating time for a walk outside
in the fresh air during a tea break or lunch hour can have a remarkable
impact on vitality.
Taking a walk outside in a park or around the neighbourhood at the end of a
long day can also bring respite from the daily stresses and pressures. A
walk in the morning before breakfast is excellent for stimulating the
circulation and preparing one for the day ahead. Even a brisk walk through a
shopping centre can help to burn off a few unwanted calories!
In his book, 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, Dr Andrew Weil states that he has
seen people attain maximum fitness just through walking alone. Start by
taking a ten-minute stroll on a daily basis, and then gradually increasing
your time allocation to 20 minutes once fitness levels have improved. For
maximum cardiovascular benefits, he recommends that one should include some
uphill walking or increase the pace at regular intervals.
The health and fitness rewards that this very versatile form of exercise
offers include:
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A reduction
in body fat which in turn reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease,
diabetes and joint deterioration.
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Reduces
blood cholesterol and blood pressure.
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Revs up the
metabolism, thereby promoting weight loss.
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Tones and
strengthens muscles, increases overall flexibility, and maintains bones
density.
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Reduces
stress by stimulating the body to release the happy hormone, “endorphin”
which produces a feeling of general wellbeing.
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Improves
problem solving abilities. Experts suggest that stepping away from a
problem may be the most effective way to solve it.
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Improves
self-esteem. When you look good, you feel good!
While some
enjoy the solitude of walking alone, one can also take up the option of
joining a club or making a time to walk with friends or work colleagues.
Considering the emotional, physical and mental benefits that walking
provides, the question you may want to ask yourself now is, “When do I step
out of my comfort zone and into a healthier way of life? “.
Recommended reading:
Weil, Andrew, 8 Weeks to Optimum Health. Warner Books, 1997
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