Walk toward a healthier future
We Say
We aren’t all athletes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t work to improve our health, and for many of us, developing a regular routine of walking may just be a good way to get started.
The Mayo Clinic’s website lists some of the benefits of “regular brisk walking” as losing body fat, maintaining a healthy weight, preventing or better managing medical conditions, building strength of muscles and bones, and improving endurance, as well as increasing energy levels, improving your mood and thinking, and helping to reduce stress and tension.
An online Harvard Health article says walking can also help tame a sweet tooth, reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, and ease joint pain while boosting immune function. While that may sound pretty good, it may still feel difficult to get started for those of us who have been meaning to take those first steps toward better wellness for, well, longer than we care to admit.
The American Heart Health Association’s website says research has shown that walking at “a brisk pace” for at least 150 minutes (two and half hours) each week can help people sleep, think and feel better, reduce risk of serious diseases, and improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
The article cites additional benefits such as increasing energy, improving mental and emotional well-being, memory, boosting bone strength, and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
If that still sounds like a lot of walking, just remember that anything is better than nothing, and we all have to start somewhere. So, consider making walking a part of your routine, if you haven’t already. And if you are already walking regularly, maybe consider ways to increase the benefits or have more fun along the way.
Try walking in a different location. Get friends or family to walk with you. Make an outing out of it. Include a heart-healthy picnic.
Franklin County has many beautiful areas to walk and enjoy a variety of types of recreation, both low impact and higher impact. Enjoy the scenery as you walk toward a healthier future. You’re worth it, so make the effort for a healthier you, and you just might find yourself accidentally having fun along the way.
