![Kymberly at Lake Los Carneros walking Walk to lose weight]()
Free and Easy (and I’m not Describing My Sister)
Looking for an easy, no cost, comfortable way to add more activity into your day? Walk — outdoors, at a local mall, indoors on cardio equipment, down the hall from your office — anywhere you can get in some steps. Why? Many baby boomers walk to lose weight. Yet other compelling reasons beckon us to a walking workout. In fact, walking is the number one preferred form of physical activity among adults of all ages.
Why Walk?
It’s easy to get started. No special skills or equipment are required, though we do suggest good walking shoes, especially for women over 50. Anyone else notice more feet issues with each passing mile? Also, walking can stave off many diseases, especially depression just by strolling or striding out. You can be social (walking with friends or family) or contemplative (when walking alone). The risk of injury is low low low so go go go. We also mentioned “FREE,” right?
What is the #1 preferred physical activity of US adults?
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Benefits of Walking
Walking as exercise, power walking, dog walking, even moseying can all help you to:
- live longer
- have a healthier heart
- lose weight
- uplift your mood
- enhance your mental acuity
- enjoy more time with friends, pets, family (not necessarily in that order. But could be….)
Can you name at least 4 benefits of walking? Take 10k steps and get back to us!
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Walking for Weight Loss
The rumors are true that you can lose weight with a consistent, well planned walking program. Take a look at our post “Can Walking Really Get You Fit?” which answers the question “how can you lose weight by walking?” You’ll gets super clear specifics that will help you determine your pace and duration depending on your goals.
Also watch our short video on ways to amp up your walking. You’ll get some surprising tips, progression methods, and pretty scenery (plus a peek at the world’s cutest dog EVER in the universe for all entirety. Feel free to totally agree or leave a comment below).
Become an even MORE proficient walker when you consider these 7 Steps to Walk Better. Read this companion piece if you want to discover more about yourself.
What if you don’t walk to lose weight? What if you simply want to age actively, move comfortably, travel and explore the world by improving your walking abilities? Perfect!
Age Actively via Walking
Did you know that people who enjoy life have faster walking speeds than their more pessimistic counterparts? Or that walking can be as effective as running? Good thing, as my knees put a moratorium on me running, but I walk every day. (Thanks to my motivators, Kila and Sydney. Barkalicious).
For a few motivating Fun Fit Facts about walking, take a look at our post Sneak in Stats When Walking Briskly for Calorie Burn.
If all this walking for exercise gets you sore, find out how to minimize muscle aches in our post on preventing calf soreness after walking, especially uphill.
If you are wondering about the best and most effective technique for getting started on cardio equipment, take a look at our post and video on the Right and Wrong Ways to Work Out on Treadmills and Stairclimbers.
Can you spot my pedometer? Closer, closer.
Lastly, are you among the many who consider strapping on light wrist or ankle weights when you head out for a power walk? Then FOR SURE find out about the pros and cons here: Use Weights While Walking: Yes or No?
Small steps lead to big changes! Even a 5 minute walk triggers a bunch of benefits. That’s partly why we’ve written so many posts on this subject. So open up your front door and get your groove on as you move on!
Kymberly Williams-Evans, MA and Alexandra Williams, MA
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The post Walk to Lose Weight, Gain Fitness and Happiness appeared first on Fun and Fit: Active Aging Answers for Boom Chicka Boomers.