Walking Program

You want to get healthy. You know you need to exercise more. Walking briskly for as little as 30 minutes a day, 3-5 days a week can be the first step in producing significant health benefits.  

• Brisk walking is good for heart health; it can reduce blood pressure, boost HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce the chance of stroke by up to 50%
• Walking briskly for at least half an hour consumes calories and boosts your metabolic rate giving you the "natural" energy you need to make it through the day
• Studies have shown that brisk walking can postpone and possibly even prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes in people who are overweight and whose bodies already have difficulty metabolizing glucose 
• Walking not only strengthens the muscles but builds up the bones to which they are attached. Regular exercise and a healthy intake of calcium can decrease the risk of developing osteoporosis
• Walking can also reduce the pain of arthritis by strengthening the muscles around the knee joints  
• A quick walk around the block is a good way to get a fresh attitude and reduce anxiety and depression

Make a list of how a walking program could benefit you and others in your life. Then make a list of all the excuses you have for not walking. Slowly find ways to remove each of these from your list. 

A regular walking program can be done just about anywhere:

Equipment needs

Comfort and Safety 

Medical Clearance - before beginning an exercise program

Hydration Guidelines - before, during and after your walk