Walking is a great way to fit your 30 minutes of physical activity in a day. Walking 30 minutes a day at a moderate intensity (some difficulty carrying on a conversation) can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. Walking also helps to strengthen bones, boost energy levels, and improve general health and well-being. Here are some tips to help you start a walking program:
- Start Slow: If you haven’t been working out it is important to start slow to prevent injury and burnout.
- Schedule Your Walks: Make it a point to write your walks down on your calendar… you will be more likely to follow through with your plans if you do so.
- Get a Buddy: Often times, people will continue with their walking program if they have a group or friend to walk with. Having a partner provides a sense of accountability.
- Set Realistic Goals: When you start a walking program set goals that you plan to meet that are realistic. Do not have a goal to lose 50 pounds in three weeks, not only is that unhealthy, but it is unrealistic. By setting goals you can achieve, it provides motivation and the confidence to continue with the walking program.
- Track Your Progress: Track what goals you have met, the amount of walking you are doing, and how you feel. Reward yourself when you reach certain benchmarks with healthy rewards
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