Find a New Fit: Walking

Whether you’re just starting to exercise or looking to put the fire back into your workout, adding a fun new activity will reenergize your fitness routine. Take this short quiz and find a new fit.

Get started walking

Walking is probably something you do every day – maybe even 10,000 steps every day – but it’s also a great form of fitness that literally takes you places. Read on to learn how to make walking into your newest fitness habit.

What is walking?

Okay, so this is maybe a dumb question – you know what walking is. But did you know that walking even 30 minutes each day can reduce the risk of heart disease? Or that regular brisk walking can help you lose weight? It may be something you do every day of your life, but putting in a little effort to make it your fitness routine can go a long way.

Many communities are also forming walking groups, where people all go walking together. Adding friends to your routine makes this everyday exercise a lot more fun, and adds a social element to your workout as well. You’ll even save time by doing both at once. But a quick walk by yourself, either staying quiet or listening to your favorite tunes, can be just the thing to reenergize you in the middle of a busy day or help calm you down if you’re angry or stressed.

How do I get started?

Comfortable walking shoes are really the only thing you need. While technically you can walk in any shoes, getting sneakers can help you prevent injury, stay comfortable, and avoid blisters. A nice pair of comfortable socks will also help, but your personal preference is fine.

If it’s cold out, try and wear layers that you can easily remove after you’ve warmed up in your walk, and include sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen if it’s sunny out. Getting yourself into a regular habit of wearing sunscreen has other health benefits, and is worth the extra time it takes to put it on.

What are the health benefits of walking?

Going on walks is really one of the best exercises you can do! Here are just a few reasons to get going today:

  • Improve heart health: Walking is good for your heart. Studies have shown that walking decreases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • Improved mood: Going on a daily lunch walk has been shown to make people less stressed and more energetic.
  • Lower risk of death: Brisk walking has even been linked to longer life!

What else do I need to know about walking?

If you’re more interested in a group activity, you may be able to find a walking group to join – or simply invite along some friends to make it more social. And if you’d like to kick things up a notch, invest in some hiking boots and take things off the beaten path.

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