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Did you know that walking is one of the best activities you can do to dramatically increase your level of health?

Many people today suffer with "coach-potato-ITIS! "" You come home from work, turn off the TV and forget that their bodies need maintenance. But one day reality will crash when their doctors say: "You have a problem! ""

This article shows you a simple strategy to improve health through a fun and inexpensive walking program that promises many benefits.

First, your energy level. Since walking is an aerobic exercise, it helps the heart and lungs become more efficient.

Both PCOPF (the President of the Council on Physical Fitness) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says that a regular walking program can resting heart rate and blood pressure. It can help burn more calories and to the muscles.

Secondly, hiking your mental health. Regular walking can help, stress, and you can sleep better. It can also help with the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. When you walk, the body produces endorphins, a feeling of wellbeing.

Thirdly, it is fun! The President of the Council on Physical Fitness (PCOPF) calls walking the most popular form of exercise. It can be very pleasant walk with a friend or loved one or in groups. My husband and I often walk at night and on our day. It is a special time for me.

Here is what you need as you begin your new walk-for-health lifestyle. Buy a pair of comfortable shoes, sunscreen or a hat and sunglasses. Choose loose-fitting clothes. Bring a bottle of water on warm days.

But before you quickly step out the door to your new adventure, you better check with your doctor if any of these symptoms occur:

* Persistent dizziness
Chronic shortness of breath *
* High blood pressure
* Heart problems
* Chest pain

If you are willing to regularly walk to begin, there are some precautions to take. Go in daylight or at night only in well-lit areas. Make sure to obey all traffic rules for pedestrians. If you decide to headphones, make sure you can still hear what around you - like cars honking. Stop and rest if you are sick to your stomach, dizzy or experience unusual pain.

Try to walk whenever possible as part of your daily activities.

* For example, park a distance of shops, so you can get some additional exercise to and from your destination.
* Why not visit local parks to enjoy the beauty of nature while you exercise?
* Check the environment in which you live to find good routes.
* On rainy days can be found in malls, rather than to do without you time to exercise.
* It is a good idea to create a habit of choosing stairs instead of lift, when you need too much time in office buildings.
* It is more fun if you have a companion. That is a good exercise for dogs - they love to walk!

Experts recommend thirty minutes of brisk Striding per day. It is best to walk every day, but you only need to walk five days a week. These can be divided into smaller segments of time - ten minutes to three hikes instead of a 30-minute-long one.

Try to step as quickly as possible without overexerting you. You can tell when you are at a lively pace, because your heart will beat faster and you breathe deeply. But your heart can not run, and you should have the opportunity to lead a conversation.

So get off the couch, the chips down, SLIP on your comfortable shoes and Striding the path to better health!

(c) 2004 by Patricia Wagner

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About the Author

Patricia Wagner offers informative tips on living a vigorous lifestyle on http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com. It is also an artist, and you can http://www.artbywagner.com on their pictures.

Contact Author: mailto: wagner.art @ verizon.net

Date of Copyright: Copyright © 2004 by Patricia Wagner

Author Photo: http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com/Images/PWagner.jpg