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Walking for Wellness

If you have little time for fitness, walking may be for you.   Walking is probably the most popular form of fitness because you can do it while you do other things. Do you need some quiet time by yourself? Would you like to listen to some music?     Walking is ideal for a little time to yourself and enjoying some tunes. Walking gives you something most of us need – time to think. Is there something you need to talk over with someone at work? Do it while you walk. Is there a friend or neighbor you’d like to see more often? Try to set up a time when the two of you can walk together and catch up on each other’s lives.

Schedule a regular time to walk. On the weekends, make time to get out and enjoy nature. Kentucky state parks and nature preserves are just some of the places we can go to see the state. Walking is good for your health – mind and body.

Consistent walking can decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes and possibly some types of cancer. Regular walkers tend to have lower blood pressure and a decreased risk of having a stroke. Walking also strengthens bones and muscles and can help you control your weight. Walking can also help reduce stress. It seems to promote “brain fitness,” leading to a more positive outlook and greater mental agility. Walking increases energy and may even help you sleep better at night. People of all ages can benefit from regular walking.

Try to walk at least three times a week. During the first week of your new walking routine, you may want to warm up by walking slowly for five minutes, stretching, walking briskly for five minutes, then cooling down for five minutes by walking slowly again. In following weeks, you can increase your brisk walking two to three minutes a week until you can walk at a fast pace for 30 minutes to an hour.

You should be moderately active for a total of 30 minutes at least five days a week to be healthy. If walking is going to be your main form of exercise, try to walk three to five days every week for 30 minutes each time.