Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Walking for Fitness

Fitness Walking For Exercise And Good Health

By JoiAnn Marshall

Picture Source:http://www.theduponthospital.com/

Want to improve your health and fitness? Try walking as exercise to get fit. Believe it or not, in past years, most people walked almost every where. There was not much of a choice available, since there were not others ways that they could get around. Most people did not have cars and there were not bus routes or subway stations just around every corner. If there even was public transportation, you'd have to walk quite a ways to find the nearest bus stop or station to catch it. Now days, most people get into their nice cars and drive wherever they want to go. They don't even consider just walking that mile to go a nearby store or to send a letter, even on a nice day. People prefer to drive, which makes it no surprise that so many people have health problems. If you rarely ever walk, then it is time that you do. Start walking to improve your health and fitness. Here are some fitness walking tips and food for thought.

You are missing the many health benefits that walking for exercise offers, while looking for a magic pill to cure your physical ailments. In many cases the solution to your health problems can be found in simple fitness walking and exercises. Here are just a few, not all, of the benefits that walking for fitness offers: weightloss management, a reduction in your risk of stroke or heart attack, you can increase good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol (LDL), and controlling or reducing high blood pressure. Simply put modern technology has made us lazy and our bodies are suffering from it.

Get creative, just parking your car near the back of the parking lot can help you to walk further, since you'll have to walk all the way to the store and then back to your car. Take your time and spend some time walking around the store or the mall so you are sure to get some exercise as well. Try walking the stairs in you office building instead of the elevator. You'll be suprised how good you start to feel when you decide to improve your fitness walking.

Walking does not have to be unenjoyable or a chore. Regularly walking in the country or around a park is a great way for you to get the exercise you need and some fresh air as well. In fact, why not take the whole family. It will be a great time when you can educate your kids on the benefits of walking, as well as the wildlife and plant life that you see along the way. With a treadmill or other exercise machine, walking can be done at home inexpensively and at your convenience, with no regard of the weather. You can read, listen to music or even watch a dvd or tv show while you exercise!

If you are just starting think about exercise, walking is a great idea. Always make sure that you take the time to stretch before you exercise. Whether you choose to walk around the neighborhood a park or choose a exercise machine, when you are walking, be sure that you go fast enough so that you feel your heart working, but make sure you are able to talk as well. So, start walking today to improve your health and your fitness.

Get More information on exercise, walking and exercise programs here Start Exercising Also go to where you can get a fresh view of exercise equipment ideas, product information, news.

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Walking For Cardiovascular Health And Fitness

By Patricia Zelkovsky

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for health and fitness. One reason for this is because it can provide you with an effective workout for the cardiovascular system. Also called aerobic exercise, brisk walking performed two to three times per week will not only strengthen your heart but will help you burn fat, as well.

One of the ways that walking can help you lose weight is that your metabolism stays high for up to 2 to 3 hours after your workout. Additionally, it also helps to redistribute stored fat to your muscles, giving you a well-toned physique when performed on a regular basis.

Moreover, even if you are not concerned about losing weight, walking helps you to keep your heart and lungs strong and healthy, giving you more stamina for your activities.

Another benefit of walking is that the stress it places on your joints and bones helps to strengthen them against breaks, fractures and osteoporosis.

Although walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise to engage in, there are a few things you should keep in mind before engaging in a walking program.

Watch Your Form

One thing that you need to keep in mind as you walk for fitness is to watch your form. To get the most from your walk, it's important to keep your feet hip length apart, your toes pointed forward and your arms bent at the elbows and close to your side. Additionally, you should keep your stomach pulled in and your back straight. As you walk, plant your heels on the ground and then roll to the balls of your feet and push off with your toes. By keeping the proper form as you walk you will ensure that you get the most benefit out of your walk and the best possible workout.

Vary Your Routine

Also important to any walking program that you engage in, is varying your routine each time you workout. If you walk at the same pace for the same amount of time each and every session, your body will eventually get used to the routine and your exercise will not be as effective. To challenge your body, try to vary your routine. For example, try mixing up your routine with short bursts of fast walking, jogging and normal walking; another way to vary your routine is to carry small weights in your hands as you walk. You could also wear leg or ankle weights as you walk or jog. All of these ways of varying your routine will help to keep your body from getting used to your workout and keep you challenged.

The Right Foot Gear

Last, but not least, before you engage in a walking program, be sure you wear the right foot gear. The comfort of your feet is of utmost importance when you are walking. Make sure that your foot gear has a good, supportive arch to avoid any foot pain or injuries during or after your walk. Additionally, your shoes should hug your feet without feeling too snug or tight. If you are unsure about what kind of walking shoes to use during your walks, check out a store which is geared towards athletes or sports. There, you will be able to find a number of athletic shoes for a variety of sports. A knowledgeable salesperson should be able to explain the differences between the various types of sports shoes and tell you which one is the best for you.

If you are taking your walking program seriously, make sure to check out the top weightloss site fitness calculators, fitness tips and fitness news at http://www.the-weightloss-guide.com right away.

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