Benefits of Walking

The most natural, healthy, easy and safe workout is definitely walking. You can play with your energy levels by the speed at which you are walking. One doesn’t require special training for walking and this form of exercise has huge health benefits.

All you need is great walking shoes, comfortable clothes and big open space to walk.

Benefits of Walking:

Walking has many health benefits like, It decreases bad cholesterol (LDL) and raises good cholesterol (HDL), Keeps a check on your weight, blood pressure, risk of diabetes, keeps injuries at bay; in short walking is the secret of overall fitness, Your mood also keeps upbeat while walking.

Keep these things in Mind:

As mentioned above, your shoes and clothes need to be extremely comfortable. The clothes you wear should reflect the weather if you are walking outdoors. Wearing socks and shoes (that are designed for walking) is essential.

Stretch and warm up:

People forget the importance of stretching and warming up before exercise, it is essential to follow a warm-up routine before walking. Spend some time to walk at a slow pace so that your muscles are prepared, increase your speed once ready. Walking is though a full body workout, your body especially your legs should be stretched after you warm up.  You can try stretches that focus on your legs like calves, quads and hamstrings.

Know your body:

If you are a pro at walking you can play with the speed and intensity level, but if you are a novice try to walk for a couple of minutes at a moderate speed before building up pace.

Play with your intensity levels:

You can vary your speed and shuffle between intervals of high & low intensity walking workouts.

Posture:

People underestimate the importance of right posture while walking, as it is a comparatively easy workout. Stay erect with shoulders back and don’t thump your feet too hard else you can end up hurting yourself.

Cool down:

Your body (heart & muscles) have taken an intense workout, to cool down all you need is walk at a slow pace for 5-7 minutes followed by stretches.

Have fun:

Walking can become very monotones at times, add a little music, make a walking group of friends, change the track you walk on if possible.