"Walking Towards Aerobic Fitness"

Aerobic walking is an excellent way to begin a fitness program, especially if you are older, overweight or out of shape. Do you think about how much you walk everyday?  It is a pleasurable exercise which can improve fitness and trim your body.   

Ideally, you should walk briskly without stopping for at least 30-40 minutes three times a week.  Start slowly if you are unfit and walk 5 minutes longer each day until you reach your goal of 30-40 minutes a day.  If time is not on your side or are very unfit, break it up to walking 15 minutes twice a day.  Warm up for 5-10 minutes to begin with.  Start walking slowly and stretch before walking briskly.  Cool down for at least 10 minutes by strolling and stretching again.  Gradually you will become fitter.  Longer periods of brisk walking will help you to lose fat if that is your goal.  Appropriate walking shoes with adequate cushioning are a must if you are walking briskly over long distances. Walking should be comfortable and enjoyable - sore feet are not!

Aerobic walking increases the efficiency of your heart and lungs, raises metabolism and improves muscle tone.  It also lowers blood pressure and makes your bones hard.  Risk of dementia could be lowered and thinking ability maintained as you age.  Walking will boost your mood, relieve stress and tension and help fight depression. 

Gain these valuable health benefits while enjoying your aerobic walking.