Get in Step
Walking is not only good for what ails you. It’s also easy to do, convenient (it can be done anytime, anywhere) and free. All you need is a good pair of shoes, comfortable clothing, and a little desire. Here are some tips to help you get in step:
• Getting started (see www.thewalkingsite.com): Start out slow if you need to. For many people this means head out the door, walk for 10 minutes, and walk back. Do it every day for a week. If that seems easy, add five minutes to your walks next week and keep adding five minutes until you are walking as long as you desire. It’s also a smart idea to start and finish your walk with a few simple warm up and cool down stretches. Stretching will make you feel better and help prevent injury. (Note: If you have health concerns, talk with your doctor before starting a walking program.)
• How often and how long: Any walking is better than none, but most fitness experts recommend walking about 30 minutes, five days a week. Research has shown that the 30 minutes can be accumulated throughout the day (10 minutes here, 10 minutes there). Or, for optimal health benefits aim for 10,000 steps per day, which is the equivalent of about five miles.
• How fast: The right walking speed depends on your fitness level. Ideally you should walk at a brisk pace that has you breathing heavily, but are still able to carry on a conversation.
Motivation
Starting a walking program takes initiative. Sticking with it takes commitment. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated:
• Find a walking buddy: They can provide motivation and support along with companionship and security.
• Use a pedometer: These nifty little gadgets (available in athletic stores for about $20) measure how far you’ve walked in steps and miles, providing motivation by spurring you to meet a particular goal and showing you if you’ve met it.
• Keep a journal: Use it to keep track of your walking minutes, steps, or mileage and total it up at the end of each week to see how you’re progressing.
• Have a backup: If bad weather, allergies or other factors limit your outdoor walking have a backup plan like walking at your local mall, or consider buying a home treadmill or joining a health club.
• Join a walking club: To find one in your community call your local medical center, mall, health clubs, YMCA, running shoe stores or area agency on aging to see if they sponsor or know of any clubs or groups. Or visit the American Volkssport Association at www.ava.org, which has a nationwide network of 350 non-competitive walking clubs and organizes more than 3000 walking events each year.
• Listen to music: An iPod (or portable CD, radio, MP3, or cassette player) can also make a nice walking companion. For some people music is a great motivator and can help pass the time. But be sure to keep the volume low enough so you can hear what is going on around you, and use good judgment.
• Use the Web: AARP offers a walking motivation program at aarp.stepuptobetterhealth.com, and a fun virtual walk along Route 66 at aarp.getfitonroute66.com.
• Look for opportunities: There are various ways you can add extra walking into your day such as, taking the stairs instead of riding the elevator, when you go shopping or run errands park further away from the business you’re visiting, or if it’s close enough walk.
