Walking isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B, it’s a great way to exercise and reduce your risk of chronic disease. This week, we celebrated National Walking Day, on April 3, with the American Heart Association. Their yearly event is held to encourage Americans to lace up their sneakers and take on the sidewalks to a path of better health.
¿por qué estamos caminando?
Walking is a low-impact form of exercise that anyone can do. You don’t need special equipment or training and it’s a safe way to exercise. Every time you put on your walking shoes and head out the door, you’re committing to better health. According to the Mayo Clinic, research shows that regular brisk walking can reduce the risk of heart attack as much as if you were jogging. Walking also has many other health benefits:
- Lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL)
- Reduce your risk or help manage type-2 diabetes
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Boost self-esteem
- Combat depression
- Help you gain strength and improve cardiovascular fitness
How to start
- Make sure you have a pair of comfortable athletic shoes that fit well and allow you to move at a relatively quick pace without any problems. There are shoes specifically for walking, but any athletic shoe will do.
- Make a walking plan that fits into your everyday schedule. Start off with 30 minutes a day and increase the time as you can.
- Take the time to warm up for 5 minutes and stretch before and after your workout.
- Wear a pedometer during the day to track your steps and set a goal. Slowly increase your daily steps and raise your goal accordingly.
- Find some walking buddies to keep you accountable; whether that’s with your Latinas or your perrito, make sure you’re getting out there and staying active.
- Be sure to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and always apply sunscreen before doing any outdoor activity.
Enjoy the fresh Spring air and hit the sidewalks!
