Walking Is Good Medicine
Ranked #21,414 in Healthy Living, #313,191 overall | Donates to Squidoo Charity Fund
Why is Walking Good Medicine?
Walking is good medicine because it has numerous health benefits. It is not only good for your body, but your mind and soul as well. Except for a pair of walking or running shoes, walking is a relatively inexpensive form of exercise. Sure, if you belong to a health club, or gym, your membership fee includes walking on a treadmill or a track, and you can purchase a treadmill for your home, but walking outdoors is free. Walking is a low impact activity so the risk of injury is low.
If you really love walking like I do, you will probably still go outdoors to walk even in lousy weather conditions. There is just something about walking outdoors that is magical and can be experienced by all your senses! It's worth it, just dress appropriately!
But it is nice to have the option of walking indoors, if it is pouring down rain, a snow blizzard, low temperatures and or a close to zero or below chill factor. Considering investing in a treadmill or health club is an option. I personally own a treadmill and that works for me when I'm unable to go out in bad weather. Another reason I like having a treadmill is that I often like to walk at night, which might not always be safe depending on where you live, so then you could just hop on your treadmill. To keep from getting bored, just put some of your favorite music on! Or if you have a television handy in the vicinity of your treadmill you could watch your favorite show while exercising. My personal preference is music. A good moderate to fast pace beat can really get you motivated!
If you really love walking like I do, you will probably still go outdoors to walk even in lousy weather conditions. There is just something about walking outdoors that is magical and can be experienced by all your senses! It's worth it, just dress appropriately!
But it is nice to have the option of walking indoors, if it is pouring down rain, a snow blizzard, low temperatures and or a close to zero or below chill factor. Considering investing in a treadmill or health club is an option. I personally own a treadmill and that works for me when I'm unable to go out in bad weather. Another reason I like having a treadmill is that I often like to walk at night, which might not always be safe depending on where you live, so then you could just hop on your treadmill. To keep from getting bored, just put some of your favorite music on! Or if you have a television handy in the vicinity of your treadmill you could watch your favorite show while exercising. My personal preference is music. A good moderate to fast pace beat can really get you motivated!
CHECKING YOUR HEART RATE
Why to check, how to check...
What is the difference between RESTING HEART RATE, MAXIMUM HEART RATE AND TARGET HEART RATE?
Your resting heart rate is your normal rate when you are at awake but at rest.
This can vary depending on your age and your overall health.
Your maximum heart rate can be figured out by subtracting your age from the number 220.
For example if you are 40 years old your maximum heart rate is 180. (220 - 40 = 180).
Your target heart rate when doing aerobic exercise should not exceed 60% to 80% of your maximum heart rate.
Usually when you start aerobic exercise, you have to be careful not to exceed your target heart rate by overdoing it.
As you gradually build up strength and stamina, you will be able to exercise longer without exceeding your target heart rate.
HOW TO TAKE YOUR PULSE
How to take your pulse
Your resting heart rate is your normal rate when you are at awake but at rest.
This can vary depending on your age and your overall health.
Your maximum heart rate can be figured out by subtracting your age from the number 220.
For example if you are 40 years old your maximum heart rate is 180. (220 - 40 = 180).
Your target heart rate when doing aerobic exercise should not exceed 60% to 80% of your maximum heart rate.
Usually when you start aerobic exercise, you have to be careful not to exceed your target heart rate by overdoing it.
As you gradually build up strength and stamina, you will be able to exercise longer without exceeding your target heart rate.
HOW TO TAKE YOUR PULSE
How to take your pulse
Walking Shoes
Good quality walking shoes
Check out these shoes, I recommend trying them on at a store and then deciding where the best value is when purchasing a pair.
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
How does aerobic exercise improve your cardiovascular health?
Walking which is an aerobic exercise, strengthens the cardiovascular system in multiple ways, which in turn improves cardiovascular health.
READ MORE
Wikipedia.com
READ MORE
Wikipedia.com
VOTE!
Do you like to walk?
Loading poll. Please Wait...
Check out these Heart Monitors on Amazon
Heart Monitors
If you want to be sure about your heart rate or always want to know without having stop and check it, a heart monitor is a good idea.
A selection of books about walking.
Walking, Aerobic Walking, Fitness, Cardiovascular Health, Weight Loss
Please stop by and say hello....
What form of exercise do you like?
I would love to hear about what kind of exercise you do to keep fit!
An important thing about aerobic exercise is finding the right one for you.
If you like the exercise you are doing, you will have an easier time sticking to it.
If you don't like it, it will feel like drudgery, and you probably won't be successful.
-
-
WriterJanis
Apr 16, 2012 @ 3:37 am | delete
- Walking is such great exercise.
-
-
-
fotolady49 Apr 16, 2012 @ 3:34 pm | delete
- Yes it is and as much as I love doing it and have reaped its benefits, I still procrastinate and don't do it near enough! Thanks for visiting my lens :)
-
-
-
coolrecipes
Feb 4, 2012 @ 3:31 pm | delete
- I love walking too, i love walking the dog through the countryside
-
-
-
fotolady49 Feb 7, 2012 @ 6:30 pm | delete
- Thank you 'coolrecipes' for visiting and commenting:) I will check out some of your lenses. Nice to 'meet' you!
-
-
-
spartakct
Nov 28, 2011 @ 10:40 pm | delete
- Nice lens! walking is always good.
-
- Load More
My Blog
My photos, ideas, thoughts, rants and raves.
See what inspires me.
New YouTube vids
by fotolady49
Hello world. I am Terri 'Zamiska' Harper. The medium of photography has been my main vehicle of expression over the years. I have explored black and white... more »
- 12 featured lenses
- Winner of 6 trophies!
- Top lens » The Art of Collage
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- Nature Therapy - Walking in Nature Nature Therapy - Walking in Nature
- Lose Weight Walking Lose Weight Walking
- 50 full-length workout videos you can find online for FREE! 50 full-length workout videos you can find online for FREE!
- The 10 Best Kinect Games (Voted on by You!) The 10 Best Kinect Games (Voted on by You!)
- Jillian Michaels Workout DVDs Jillian Michaels Workout DVDs
- Top 10 Best Exercise Bikes 2012 Top 10 Best Exercise Bikes 2012