WOMEN AND WALKING

Almost all of us can walk.  If you can walk, you need to be doing so.  I am a big advocate of taking a far from the door parking space at the mall, carrying in groceries, etc, one bag at a time, taking the stairs when possible, etc.  These simple things keep you moving and give you much needed exercise.  But I am talking about real walking here, at least 20 to 30 minutes at a time.  Consider these facts:

• According to a Harvard Medical School study, walking just three hours a week cuts the risk of heart attack and stroke in women ages 40 to 65 by 40%.
• Women who walk 40 to 45 minutes 5 times a week are sick with colds or flu only half as often as sedentary women.  This information comes from Appalachian State University.

Just those two statistics alone should be enough to get one moving!  And there are many more benefits to walking.

The good thing about walking is that it is available to almost everyone.  No expensive equipment, a gym is not required, etc.  According to Kathy Smith, a fitness instructor, "Walking is an equal opportunity exercise.  There aren't any biases against uncoordinated people, and everyone knows how to do it.  It's a 'no excuses' workout because you don't need equipment or a gym."

The statistics in this post are on women.  However, walking is a good exercise for men, women, and children!

file photo