We all know we are supposed to exercise. It’s talked about all the time - we
hear about it in magazines; in news papers; on TV shows; & from our doctors –
how just getting out & moving can actually add years to our lives!
A Stanford University study states 30 minutes of exercise each day will keep you
active & able bodied for up to 12 years longer than you might have been. As well
a 2004 study in The Spine Journal showed that simply walking can lessen back
pain 10 – 50% (& that’s not including adding
Walking Poles – which
reduces the impact of walking by 26%... more on this later).
Not only is our health system more challenged than ever but we are in the in the
worst shape we have ever been – North America’s health is at epidemic
proportions with cancer, diabetes, stroke, heart disease & obesity!
Interestingly enough "exercise" is at the top of the list to help prevent &
often even help cure many of these health challenges ... & with walking being one
of the easiest forms of exercise we can all (pretty much) do - there is no
reason why we shouldn’t be able to change our health situation!
The key is accountability & by each one of us becoming more accountable for our
personal health & activity we can/will make a difference in how much we need &
lean on our struggling health system.
It really is as simple as going for a walk & honestly there aren't too many
people out there who can't just walk. The wonderful thing is walking not only is
the answer but it has a long list of amazing benefits:
- Increased energy
- Improve bone strength
- Enhance flexibility
- Eat & sleep better
- Lose unwanted weight
- Increase metabolism & circulation
- Improve your immune system
- Handle stress better
- Improve cardio
- Lead a happier – healthier life!
The hardest thing about walking is ... getting out walking. Yet there aren’t too
many people who wouldn’t agree that "once you get out there – it feels sooo darn
good!"
The easiest thing about walking is ... that it's easy to do. It's inexpensive, you
can do it alone, with someone or in a group – as well you get to be outside in
the fresh air & you don’t have to work around a facilities' schedule. You can go
when you want, for as long & as far as you want - & you don't have to pay each
time you go.
The only thing easier, more beneficial & fun then walking is ...
Pole Walking.
I’m sure you’ve seen them out there – people with sticks, striding down the
sidewalks, streets & on the greenway - & you've wondered "why are they willing
to look so funny?”
Well first of all they aren't doing it just to look silly - watch for my next
article & find out – "why people walk this way".
