More than six in 10 people walk for transportation or for fun, relaxation or exercise, or for activities such as walking the dog.
Walking is a good way to help lose extra weight. It helps to burn extra calories and a regular brisk walk 30 to 45 minutes a day will help you to trim your waistline. It is also one of the easiest exercises to ward off obesity. Best of all, just about anyone can do it in some capacity.
You do not need and special and expensive equipment, just some comfy shoes.
Walking also offers additional important health benefits. Walking just 30 minutes per day can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. Physically active people tend to live longer and have a lower risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and some cancers.
Need a stress reliever? Hit the pavement. You’ll feel more relaxed and less stressed afterward.
Every step you take is part of your journey to good health. Maybe you have been sedentary for a while? No problem. Set a reachable goal just for today, even if it is just walking for a few minutes around the block. Work toward an overall goal of striding at a brisk pace for 30 minutes per day, increasing your time as you get in better shape.
We all need 30 minutes of physical activity per day, at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, to derive optimal health benefits. Find a spot to walk that you enjoy — the boardwalk, seafront promenade, a park or around your neighbourhood. Find a buddy, or walk alone if you appreciate the solitude. If you’re busy, split your walks into 10 to 15 minutes morning and evening.
If you want to burn more calories.. add some weight and walk uphill. Add about 5 kilos to your backpack (a few books or beverages should do the trick), and head for high altitude (like that great boutique at the top of the hill). You'll burn about 415 calories per hour at a regular walking pace (usually about four miles per hour) — that's 57 more than you'd burn on a standard stroll without the baggage.
Even in the throes of winter, get your exercise with many others who walk at the mall and take the stairs instead of standing in the elevator.
And don’t forget to take your dog on your outside walks — pets can keep you company and stay healthy right along with you.