Many people dismiss walking as not real exercise, but a walk really can have great health benefits and make you feel good too. The beauty of walking is that it is something everyone can do and if you have never exercised it is a great way to start. When you walk you notice details you may never otherwise see driving in your car. Getting out in the cooler morning or evening air is also important for your health. Fresh air and nature feed your soul. Even if you can only manage a 10 minute walk every day you will improve your blood circulation; tone up your legs; and regulate your heart beat. You will look and feel better.

I love a walk in England in the autumn sunshine, especially if I have writer’s block. I take myself and my dog for a walk through the fields and woods and return with a healthy glow and feel fresh with lots of ideas.

There are many people who say walking is not as good for you as running is and I agree that running has many benefits. You can run for just 10 minutes and burn more calories than a 10 minute walk. Many people really do enjoy the freedom of going for a run and feel a great afterglow. Running sends your heart rate up and this benefits your circulation. However if you run you need to factor in recovery days and always remember to warm up first to prevent injury. If you are a first-time runner it is a good idea build up gradually. Start by walking and then gradually build up the pace to a brisk walk and then run for two minutes and then walk again. If you are really serious about wanting to take up running it is also a good idea to build up some body strength by going to the gym. Runners need to be strong as running on hard pavements can hurt your knees and ankles especially if you try to do too much too soon.

So whatever you choose to do, walking is a great way to start. Try and build a daily walk into your busy routine. Gradually build up to brisk walking pace as this will increase you lung capacity.

People who walk for at least 30 minutes every day have significantly reduced chances of health problems compared with those who do not exercise at all.

There are plenty of chances that you get every day to move around and add in some physical activity into your daily life. Here are few ways that you can add a few steps into your daily routine:
 
• Take the stairs at work or in shopping malls as often as possible instead of the elevator or escalator.

• Park several blocks away, or at the opposite end, from your destination and walk the rest of the way.

• If you have children, walk them to the park.
 
Walking has so many health benefits if done regularly. The stress management benefits should be especially noted. A morning walk can get you ready for your day, help you sleep better at night, lower your stress level, and reduce your risk of numerous health conditions.

Taking a daily walk is a healthy habit that can be easily fitted into your already busy daily routine! Send for my walking guide by e-mailing to [email protected].
 
 


— Smeetha
 
Running on a treadmill feels easier physically because the ground is being pulled underneath your feet and there's no wind resistance. Running outdoor demands more from your body because you're propelling your body forward stride for stride. Many treadmills are padded, making them a good option if you're overweight or are injury-prone (especially with knee issues) and want to decrease the impact. You can better simulate outdoor running by setting your treadmill at 1% incline. If you feel more comfortable running in the gym then do that but try and also get a walk in the fresh air.                                                  

— Alva