WOW Fact –
20-30 minutes of daily walking can be hugely beneficial to your Health and
Wellbeing.
Spinning, swimming, pilates, yoga and the classic treadmill get all the attention when it comes to popular ways to stay healthy. There is, however, a more unassuming workout that might not get the recognition it deserves, but has all the benefits: walking.
Personally, what I love about walking is that anyone can do it at any age and any fitness level. Plus it is good for your heart, your head and your purse.
The
recommended amount of exercise for adults is 150 minutes of moderate physical
activity per week. That breaks down to 30 minutes of exercise over five days a
week. If you have never exercised or not exercised for a long time, I suggest
starting with 2 – 3 shorter 10-minute walks and slowly build up to the 20-30
minute walk once you feel comfortable and the sooner you get started the sooner
you’ll notice the difference in your mind and body.
WOW Fit Fact – Walk the Right Way
Walking is a
great way to stay active and improve your fitness, without the added intensity
that other exercise forms bring, so almost anyone can do it. A good walking
technique is key to staying healthy and improving fitness.
The first
rule of exercise is always engage your core muscles. This is particularly
important in walking because you are upright the whole time and supporting your
entire body weight. So tighten your stomach muscles.
The best way
to do this is to make sure you are not slouching when you walk, spinal
alignment is part of this core strength. You should stand up straight, trying
not to lean too far forward or backward with your chin parallel to the ground. Be mindful of potential hazards in your path,
just keep your gaze a few feet in front of you instead of right at your feet.
Let your arms swing naturally and roll through your foot from heel to toe…
GO GREEN! – a
WOW way to connect with nature is Walking in green spaces, it can reduce stress
levels/depression, raise self-esteem, improve sleep, boost your mood, enhances
psychological wellbeing and improves attention and concentration.
In a
nutshell, the best thing about walking is you can do it solo, with a friend,
family or work colleagues, it’s fun and it doesn’t cost a penny!
“All truly
great thoughts are conceived by walking.” Fredrich Nietzsche
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