Obesity in America is standing at startling percentages and we only get lazier as a society! While I may not look like Shemar Moore (and trust me, I really wish it did!), I do know that it takes a TON of time and effort to get results like his. With that being said, doing nothing at all to improve your physical health has significant hazards. Simply walking for at least 30 minutes a day goes great lengths to improve your health.
Coronary heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are all major health conditions that nobody wants to be diagnosed with, and who can blame them? Although, when it comes to our health, nothing is promised to us, we can reduce the risk of being diagnosed with these conditions by setting aside 30 minutes a day to walk at a moderate pace.
Walking is a low impact and risk exercise that nearly everyone can do, but don't overdo it! Overuse injuries can set your training program back significantly or even force you to quit your routine altogether. Walking is a weight-bearing exercise, which means it uses the forces of gravity to help burn calories. Remember, walking also burns more calories the faster you walk! Walking is considered a great starter exercise due to its lack of skill requirement and is easier to begin because it is something we already do everyday! Although walking alone will not provide you with abs like Shemar's in the above photo (no matter how much we all wish it did!), it will go great lengths to improve the overall health of your body, if done often enough at a moderate exercise intensity level.
To properly use walking as a form of exercise, you will need one simple piece of equipment to get started: A good pair of walking shoes. This will be the single most important purchase in your exercise (and likely your only purchase if you stick to only walking).
A few of things to keep in mind when looking a walking shoe are as followed:
1) Make sure the shoes fit snugly.
2) Make sure the heel is higher than the toe of the shoe. (about 3/4 to 1/2 inch)
3) The shoe should follow the foot's natural shape (each person is different!).
4) The shoes should have removable arch supports.
5) The shoes should be lightweight.
6) Select your shoes for function, not fashion.
Walking alone is not enough to achieve overall health, but it is a great place to start. For just 30 minutes a day, the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cancer can be reduced, not to mention how much better you'll feel!
So, begin by watching one less episode on Netflix, and take the first steps on your journey to improving your health!
