Let's Take a Walk

Exercise is often made to be over complicated. Our bodies actually benefit from any movement that requires our hearts to pump a bit more, engage our muscles, and loosen our joints.
We often reach a certain age and we begin to say we can’t workout anymore. This is untrue. It is actually more important than ever to start, maintain, or continue an exercise routine. Strength training, aerobic, and flexibility exercises improve one's quality of life despite age.

Arielle Weg of Prevention (1), gets a great perspective from Dr. Nicole Weinberg, M.D., a cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. Weinberg states “walking is not just good for your heart, but it’s good for building muscle tone, good for respiratory health, it’s good for digestion, and can improve the immune system.” Dr. Weinberg adds, “what is most important when it comes to a cardiovascular workout is to get in some kind of movement that gets your heart working hard for about 30 minutes a day, five days a week.”

It is true that there may be a few barriers as we age that may keep us from having your traditional workout.
But, one of the best exercises we can do is to walk.
Set a course through your neighborhood. Call a friend down the street so they can enjoy a walk too. A few laps down your driveway can result in impressive results as well.

Dr. Weinberg also mentions timing can be beneficial. She suggests taking a walk after a meal to help lower blood sugar. Your body then uses your meal as fuel for your walk. It's also worth mentioning that walking can lower blood sugar at any time. If you take a walk without eating, you might find your sugar to be too low. If you're diabetic, or experience low blood sugar, be sure to have a quick snack on hand when you complete your walk.
For those who suffer from joint pain and joint issues, walking is often viewed as one of the best forms of exercise. As you begin to walk, you may find that it can get easier the more you do it. When you find your walk is easier, you can increase the duration of your walk. Increasing your speed can help increase your heart rate and intensity of your walk as well.
Exercising doesn't have to be hard or complicated. It’s a lot easier than you think. Grab some water, tie your shoes, grab a friend, and take a much-needed walk.
Don't forget to breathe in some fresh air and even soak up some sunshine too!

A great goal is to walk a total of 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

If this seems overwhelming, begin with a smaller goal to total 15 minutes a day for 4 days a week. Then you can increase your duration and number of days a week as you go.

Let's take a walk!

Sources: (1) Prevention. https://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/a38580834/is-walking-cardio/