Walking is the Best Medicine

My Mom has always said that walking is the absolute best exercise.  It's free and you already do it on a daily basis!  Walking is complex and extremely beneficial to our overall health. Not only are our feet working, but so are our hips, spine, arms, shoulders and our head – all move in sync to maintain balance in the system!  It also build stamina, strengthen muscles and helps burn calories. In order to improve your health and lose weight, start by trying to take about 10,000 steps per day, which is approximately five miles.  The average person already takes between 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day, so increasing the number will only require some minor changes to your lifestyle.  If you aren't used to being active, start slowly and aim for 5,000 steps a day for the first week and work your way up.

SIMPLE STRATEGIES FOR EXTRA PEDOMETER STEPS

Begin by making small changes to increase your daily activity level and get in those extra steps:   

• Park in the farthest space from the mall or your office.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator when you can.
• Take a break and walk around the floor throughout the day while at work.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Put on upbeat music while you clean your house.
• Walk the dog or take a stroll to visit your neighbors. 

Wearing a pedometer is a great way to keep up with how many steps you take.  You can probably find a basic model at your local dollar store, so no excuses!  Put it on in the morning when you get up and take it off when it's time for bed.  Once you make taking the extra steps a habit, it will be much easier to reach and maintain your goal weight.