Can you figure out from the clues below the one activity that can change your life?
1. All you need to start is a pair of athletic shoes.
2. This activity will help you sleep better.
3. You can choose to go solo, grab a partner or join a group while doing this activity.
4. It requires no training or classes.
5. It can lower your cholesterol, lower your blood pressure, lower/maintain your weight, and lower your risk for cancers.
6. This activity can bring you closer to nature.
7. This activity will improve your emotional well-being.
8. You can include your family, your friends and/or your dog during this activity.
9. It can improve the health of your heart.
10. It can be done almost anywhere and at any time of day.
11. It can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis and Type 2 diabetes.
12. It can improve your flexibility and balance.
13. It should be done in at least 10 minute increments – 30 minutes/day.
14. This activity can be done for a lifetime.
Did you guess walking?
It’s hard to believe that something we’ve all been doing since about the age of 2 can be the solution to many of the physical and mental health risks that we often face in a modern society.
Our bodies are built to walk and by simply increasing the amount of time that you walk each day, you can change your life by improving your physical and mental health.
Is Walking Right for Me?
Maybe it has been a while since you’ve been active or maybe you are thinking of joining a health club. You may be wondering if you have the time to walk or if walking will really help you reach your goals. You might be questioning if walking is really the right fitness routine for you? If so, scroll down to answer the next 14 questions.
1. Do I want a fitness routine that can be started for the cost of a pair of shoes?
2. Can I commit to a physical activity, do it in at least 10 minute increments and work towards 30 minutes a day?
3. Do I want to exercise with my family, my friends or my dog?
4. Do I want an exercise routine that can bring me closer to nature?
5. Do I want an exercise routine that lets me choose to go solo, grab a partner or exercise in a group?
6. Do I want a fitness activity that requires no training or classes and that can be done almost anywhere and at any time of day?
7. Do I want to improve my flexibility and balance?
8. Do I want a fitness routine that can lower my cholesterol, lower my blood pressure, lower my risk for cancers and lower or maintain my weight?
9. Do I want a fitness routine that can improve the health of my heart, prevent osteoporosis, and prevent Type 2 diabetes?
10. Do I want an exercise program that will help my emotional well-being, help me problem-solve and help me manage life’s daily stresses?
11. Do I want to start a daily fitness activity that I can do for a lifetime?
12. Do I want to sleep better?
Did you answer ‘yes’ to any of the questions above? If so, I encourage you to locate your sneakers and some weather appropriate clothing and take a walk today! If you’re a new walker, take a 10 minute walk at a pace that’s a little faster than normal*. If you are already walking regularly, add 10 minutes to your normal walk time or try to walk faster during some or most of your walk. When you’re done, give yourself a big pat on the back – you are changing your life for the better by walking.
*The American Heart Association recommends that doctors “screen all patients with a history of cardiovascular disease or who are at high risk of a heart attack or stroke before they start a vigorous exercise program. People who are obese, have diabetes or other serious medical problems, or who have been sedentary for a long time should talk to their doctor before starting any exercise program.”
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