Walking is natural to us all. It has been a regular activity for us since we were toddlers. But for many of us, city living restricts our need to work and limits us to just a few steps daily. Walking for fitness is referred to a power walking and does differ from ordinary walking. When you have to increase your speed, walk for over an hour or carry a heavy load you would find that things like posture and technique are critical, and your level of fitness and the comfort of your gear make a real difference.
For this piece I would not focus on the techniques of powerwalking but would seek to sell the benefits to you with the hope that we all take up this highly beneficial hubby.
Walking is a low impact activity with an insignificant risk of injury. It has all the health-giving benefits of aerobic activities like running and cycling and strengthens the whole body and helps your make the transition from leisurely walk to speedy pace and then to even more intense activity.
Walking gives you peace of mind. While walking you are outdoors in the fresh air with pleasant scenes and a chance to just observe the environment. You may be alone with your thoughts, listening to music or with friends and can just relax.
Walking is an activity the improves your health because once you are engaged in it you would notice other aspects of your life change. Improved quality of sleep, better food choices etc. Also, you would notice all those aches and stiffness that you may have thought were just normal signs of aging would begin to disappear.
Weight control and improved body form is another great benefit as walking burns calories just as any other brisk activity. An average person burns 100 calories for every mile regardless of how long it takes you to complete it. Your legs, and buttocks would tone up and you would lose some belly fat.
Walking also improves the efficiency of your metabolism. You stop feeling lethargic and are inspired to do more with your time. With the extra dopamine you would ditch that old excuse of not having enough time and/or energy and suddenly you are much more effective and accomplish more.
Your immune system is strengthened as you burn calories and improve your circulation. Regular walkers have less risk of diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. It helps you to live a longer and more qualitative life free of both physical and mental diseases.
Fitness improves your self esteem and makes you feel good about yourself. The motivation and sense of achievement your get from achieving your goals will spill into other areas of your life and will give you a greater sense of wellbeing and help you improve other aspect of your life like your career and relationships.
I urge you to get started today; you are not too busy. if you can’t take long works take many shorter walks. If you feel you are unfit fear not as walking is a gentile activity and would not overwhelm you. Do you feel silly stepping out to exercise? When walking, you don’t even have to look as though you are exercising, the gear is flexible, and you can always blend in. Walking is the best exercise for most medical conditions so speak to your doctor and don’t let anything hold you back.
Remember, ‘Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.’- Henry Ford. You can!
Ayuba Loko
Rounding up