Walking Exercise
Walking is one of the most enjoyable and effective forms of exercise. The price is definitely right and it is very easy to get started. Just put on your shoes and walk! Okay, maybe it’s not quite that easy. You need to do a few things first.
Find a place to walk. The options are virtually limitless. If you’d prefer to get your walking exercise while enjoying the fresh air of outdoors, find a trail or sidewalk that provides a long enough path for you to get the full benefit from your walk. A sidewalk leading around the neighborhood, for example, should be continuous for at least a mile or so, to keep you from having to walk in the street or across someone’s grass.
When the weather is not so great, find a comfortable, workable indoor location for your walking exercise. Many shopping malls will open early to accommodate “mall walkers,” knowing that the walkers may well become customers later, if only out of appreciation for a warm, dry place to walk!
Next, find a pair of comfortable walking shoes. These do not have to be expensive but they do have to be appropriate for your walking exercise routine. Runners’ shoes are made differently than walkers’ shoes. Most manufacturers will indicate whether a shoe is made for running, walking, or some other activity. Try the shoes on in the store and walk around long enough to know that they fit well and are comfortable.
Prepare for your walk by drinking lots of fluids. And, end your walk by drinking lots of fluids. Water is the best hydrator before and after your walking exercise, and again, the price is right!
So find a place, get some comfortable shoes, drink your water, and enjoy your walk!