Home Blogs The Walking: Walking Benefits | Walking Vs Running | Baby Walking
The Walking: Walking Benefits | Walking Vs Running | Baby Walking
By
Patricia | August 23, 2010
The walking exercise program can be taken up by almost anyone and one does not have to be a fanatic about fitness. Individuals who have been fairly idle in terms of physical activity for a very long time should ideally take up walking as a fitness measure as it not only helps in burning the calories for those who are walking to lose weight but also helps in elevating ones moods and enhances overall health and fitness levels. It is always advisable for those who have just started to walk on a regular basis to ask their friend to accompany them or they can even take their baby taking in a stroller. Walking benefits are numerous and it helps one to escape stress, burning calories, raises the levels of good cholesterol and also reduces the risk of osteoporosis and diabetes in the individual. Fitness experts recommend that one should walk for at least thirty minutes in a day to get the best results. Losing weight on account of burning calories while walking is one of the major benefits of walking. Walking also tends to keep the cholesterol levels in check and tends to be easier on ones joints as compared to running which puts almost three times the pressure on the joints as compared to walking. Hence to start off with most doctors will recommend their patients to take up walking vs running.
Before you decide to start the practice, do keep in mind that the walking shoes you should wear are very different from running shoes. Running shoes are actually designed in such a manner that they tend to have a higher shin and are specifically designed from the stride of jogging. If one uses the same shoes for walking for a very long time, it will result in shin pains. One of the main benefits of walking is that it helps the individual to relax and de-stress and hence it is advisable to relax when one is walking and simply enjoy the warmth that will gradually develop after walking for some time. While walking one should also not over reach or over stride with their arms. The purpose of swinging the arms while walking is to ensure that one maintains the correct walking posture and stands up straight while trying to keep the body in its natural motion. It is essential to drink plenty of water and other fluids to prevent dehydration while walking which may occur on account of loss of fluids while sweating. Depending on the area you live in, you may also be able to avail of the walking paths and tracks that are specially designed in many public places and parks to encourage walking and fitness activities.