Why walking could work for you

Walking is a gentle, low-impact cardio exercise. It's safe and simple. It’s easily assessable- just walk around your neighborhood.

Regular brisk walking can provide many health benefits. For example, just 21 minutes of walking a day can reduce your risk of heart attack by 30% (source: Mayo Clinic).

Walking burns calories and trims the waistline, but it's also important for your lymphatic and immune systems.

Walking for fitness can help in many ways:

• Control your blood pressure.

• Lose or maintain weight.

• Improve balance and coordination.

• Increase core strength.

• Manage stress and improve mood.

• Stay strong and active.

  
  

Walking also has been shown to:

• Improve sleep.

• Slow mental decline.

• Lower the risk of dementia.

• Help you lead a longer life.

  
  

Try these 5 tips to begin a walking routine:

1.  Start slowly. Start with 5-10 minutes of walking at a steady pace, and build up your time and

distance over a couple of weeks to months.

2. Set goals. Set realistic goals for yourself, such as 20 to 40 minutes of walking five days a week.

   
   

3. Adjust your plan. If your time is limited for the day, think of ways to incorporate short walks (10 min) to keep your plan on track.

   
   

4. Don't let the weather keep you from walking. If the weather isn't optimal, consider walking indoors- local malls or community centers.

   
   

5. Vary your route. To keep you from getting bored, walk different routes to add variety to your

   walking.

Tips to improve or maintain your walking routine:

• Walk with a ‘buddy’. Invite others. Not only will they help keep you accountable, but they'll also reap the benefits of walking. Or walk the dog.

  
  

• Be consistent. To help your walk become a healthy habit, build it into your daily routine. Maybe it becomes part of your lunch break or something to do after dinner. Add your walk to your calendar, just as you do with other appointments.

  
  

• Spice it up. Add small challenges to your routes or try some of these ideas:

  • Try a new route to vary your scenery, as well as level of difficulty.

  • Vary your pace by speed-walking for short distances.

  • Carry hand weights.

  • Listen to music, a podcast or guided meditation.

    
    

• Stay hydrated. Bring a water bottle and sip as you walk.

With these simple tips & consistency, you will be well on your way to a healthier you.

Need some help with consistency & accountability? Here at H3 Fitness, we bring the gym & the equipment to your doorstep. Providing you with motivation & a 'buddy' to help you reach & maintain your health & fitness goals.

Reach out to schedule your Free Initial Fitness Consultation today!

XO,

Stacy

H3 Fitness

Healthy. Happy. Habits.