| Walk Your Way to Better Health |
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| by Diet Detective Editorial Staff | |
| Wednesday, 28 June 2006 | |
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Whether you need to exercise because of health or weight problems, are
nursing an injury or just want to get fit, walking is the answer. Whether you need to exercise because of health or weight problems, are nursing an injury or just want to get fit, walking is the answer. America has become obsessed with fitness, particularly aerobic activities. We've tried cycling, health club workouts, running, inline skating and more, but many of us have gotten injured or found these forms of exercise to be too expensive or time consuming. The most beneficial, convenient and inexpensive way to get fit and stay that way is walking.Walking is a low-impact activity that has all the benefits of other aerobic workouts without the likelihood of injury. Walking will help you lose weight and keep it off, and will help maintain your cardiovascular fitness at the same time. Whether recovering from surgery (with a doctor's supervision) or a medical condition, walking will increase your ability to recover by increasing blood flow to the muscles and the heart. Before you start a walking program, a medical evaluation is necessary if you are new to any form of exercise, overweight, a smoker or over 35. A good walking shoe is imperative so that your body weight is evenly distributed. Remember to buy shoes only in the afternoon so that your feet adjust to gravity. Shoes bought in the A.M. will surely be too tight in the P.M. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is walking safe for my health? A: Walking is one of the safest forms of aerobic activity because it is low impact. This kind of activity is essential for those with heart disease, osteoporosis or diabetes. Q: Will I be able to lose weight and keep it off? A: Aerobic exercise is the best way to burn fat and keep it off. Your body gets the oxygen it needs to burn fat. Q: Will walking keep me fit? A: Regular walking, at the right pace, gives you all the benefits of other aerobic sports and is a safe alternative for athletes sidelined by minor injuries. Q: Do I have to stretch before walking? A: Stretching prepares your muscles and joints for exercise. Each stretch should be held (never bounce!) for 20 to 30 seconds and should be done three times each. Q: Should I stretch after walking? A: Stretching while your muscles are warm prevents stiffness and increases flexibility. Stretches Calves: Step forward with your right leg and bend your front knee until a 90-degree angle is formed. Keep your knee directly above your toes during the downward movement to avoid overstressing the knee joint. Keep your back heel on the ground. Quadriceps: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, knees relaxed. Bend your left knee to bring your left foot behind you. Grab the toes of your left foot with that hand. Keeping your body erect and your tailbone tucked under, slowly bring your left heel toward your buttocks. Your left knee should end up pointing toward the ground and be aligned with your right knee. Be careful not to arch your back. Side Bend: Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Keep your left arm at your side or place on your left hip. Extend your right arm overhead and then bend the left side of your torso. Continue to lean as you reach toward the left with your right hand until you feel a comfortable stretch. Keep your hips and shoulders squared. Hamstrings: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend both knees and lean slightly into your left hip. Rest both hands above your left knee and extend your right leg directly in front of you. Keep your back straight, chin lifted, shoulders back and chest open. Flex the right foot to feel the stretch in your hamstrings. Bookmark:            Trackback(0)
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