Walking is sensible exercise
We are designed to walk, don’t forget it.
Walking is sensible exercise. It is gentle, and it is low impact. It’s simple and effective. Even better, its free. Sensible exercise is about increasing your general activity and finding things to do that you enjoy. OK, I know that some of you can’t walk, it must be so frustratng. I can’t walk unless I have my rollator and even then it’s a painfully slow process so I can sympathise.
Walking is sensible exercise
Regular exercise can have beneficial effects on your general health and well-being, increase your energy levels, reduce stress and lift the mood. Obviously it will increase muscle strength. It improves bone strength and promotes blood circulation. It can also be a sociable activity and you become more aware of your environment.
Walking
- Its gentle exercise
- Its cardiovascular exercise
- It’s a weight-bearing activity
- Less stress on the joints than some other forms of exercise
Scary fact
Walking is sensible exercise
Today we walk 20% less than we did in in mid 80’s. Britain’s appalling couch potato lifestyle is one of the worst in the world, it really is not healthy. Go and stand at school gates when its the end of school for the day. See many children are collected by a car. It is frightening.
Some more benefits of walking
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes
- Improve your balance and coordination
We are designed to walk
If you spend your life sitting down all sorts of problems will begin. The abdominal or stomach muscles are strengthened by exercise and they are used to keep our internal organs functioning correctly. People who use a wheelchair and don’t self propel have to be careful that their stomach muscles do not become too weak.
How much walking do you do each day?
The average person should walk about 6,000 steps a day. To find out how many steps you are taking buy a pedometer. I know my walking ability is limited but I do try and go out for a walk every day with my rollator.
I am responsible for the kitchen so simple things like loading and unloading the dishwasher help with my balance and coordination as well as being exercise.
Walking reduces stress
Walk to the shops instead of driving. If you are working in an office then get outside in the fresh air at lunchtime and give your legs a stretch.
Any form of exercise is good for you. The endorphins help you to feel better with yourself.
Don’t put exercise off until tomorrow do it today.
June 2016
Leave a Reply