Walking a way of life

Did you know that walking uses the large muscle groups in your legs and arms in a steady rhythmic pattern? No wonder it is recommended for not just fitness, but walking for total health, and is the cornerstone of a total approach to personal fitness. Walking is one exercise that offer multiple advantages at a minimum cost and effort.

A) It's Easy, Simple And Safe
Walking is suitable for just about everybody. And it's a totally natural activity which can be enjoyed by the young and the old, in fact, even those recovering from an illness. It can be done almost anywhere, at any time, and requires no special training or skills. Any park or open space is good to walk in. Also, walking is the safest form of aerobic exercise as it puts very little less pressure on your bones.

B) It's Inexpensive
All you need is a pair of comfortable, well-cushioned walking shoes that offer a good heel and arch support. There is no need to invest in expensive designer fashion wear, special sports gear, equipments, clubs and gyms etc. Walking is easily affordable by the whole family.

C) It is Aerobic
Fitness walking gives you all the aerobic fitness benefits of jogging, cycling, swimming, rowing and dance aerobics but without the injuries or the 'burn-out'. It is moderate, rhythmic and the easiest of them all. You will find it increases your total oxygen consumption and capacity.

D) Ideal For Weight Management
Walking will help you get back to your ideal weight . When you walk aerobically, your BMR (basal metabolic rate) speeds up, increasing the heart and respiratory rates. The increase in oxygen and the increased BMR burn off excess calories and keep them off forever. On an average, you will burn off around 200 calories for every 30 minutes of walking. And walking up an incline or over rough ground can burn off up to 50 per cent more than on an even surface.

E) Improves Muscle Tone
Walking improves both muscle tone and strength and also strengthens your hips, thighs, stomach and buttocks. It can help you shape up all flabby areas.

F) A Stress Reliever
Walking is a universal stress reliever. It energises you, relaxes you and makes you feel good about yourself. It can help build your endurance level, help you beat depression and sleep better. Fitness walking is the best and cheapest technique for stress management.

G) It's a Positive Addiction
The more you walk, the more you will want to. Walking can easily become a lifelong habit and it is the easiest form of exercise to keep up for a lifetime.

H) Helps prevent disease
Walking can also help relieve back pain, cholesterol, heart disease, respiration problems, cardiac rehabilitation, premenstrual syndrome, arthritis, varicose veins, hypertension, smoking and is recommended for pregnant women. It is, quite simply, one of the best forms of exercise available, with far-reaching benefits which go far beyond the normal expectations of a standard fitness programme.