Benefits of Treadmills and Elliptical Exercisers

Going to the gym is not my thing. And I always crack up whenever I drive past the clubs with the large windows, where you can see people walking on treadmills. For some reason, sweating seems like something that should be done in private. But maybe that’s just me. At the same time, I’m not the type of person to fork out a lot of money on gym equipment. Especially if there is the chance I won’t stick to it. But a few years ago I made a worthwhile investment when I purchased a treadmill. Notice that I didn’t say … Continue reading →

The Power of Walking

Earlier this month I read a report from the “Centers of Disease Control and Prevention” (CDC) that compared to five years ago, more people have taken up walking. It is one of the most popular forms of exercise. It really isn’t a surprise. After all, it’s free and a form of exercise that virtually anyone can enjoy. While this is good news, the CDC also says that not enough Americans are meeting federal guidelines when it comes to exercise. In fact, almost a third of the population remains inactive. What are the federal guidelines? They are at least two-and-a-half hours … Continue reading →

Your Waist Size and Walking

People are often most concerned about their weight, using it a measuring tool to determine success. I know I am guilty of this too, but there is something else I am more concerned about- waist size. Research has show that the size of your waist can determine if you are likely to have heart disease and other health problems. Several research articles I have read encourage woman to have a less than a 35 inch waist and men to have less than a 40 inch waist. Following these guidelines can help save your heart and life. The research shows that … Continue reading →

Walking As Therapy

While walking can be a fun, enjoyable activity it can also be therapeutic. There are times when I walk that I really want company, whether it to be my husband or my children. Other times I just want to listen to my iPod. But then there are times where I need it for therapy. I think the best time to walk is after you have experienced a bad day. This is a great way to “walk things off” in a healthy manner. Instead of turning to that bag of salty chips or chocolaty ice cream, use that time of walking … Continue reading →

How to Make Walking a Fun Activity

I don’t know that I exactly have attention deficit disorder but I am definitely one of those types of people that likes to multi-task. Doing just one thing is usually not enough for me. I have to be doing two things at once. So when it comes to walking, I can find it to be a very boring activity. Overall I enjoy walking but if I am just walking and doing nothing else, I get quickly bored. Music on my iPod is a nice distraction but even that can become tedious. One of the ways to make walking a more … Continue reading →

Mall Walking for Fitness

I’m always looking for new and fun ways to stay fit. Mall walking is a great way to keep fit. If you live anywhere near one you might try walking the mall for an hour everyday. I don’t know about you but I get bored very easily when I am walking. I always change up my walking routine so that I don’t have to look at the same scenery over and over again. Mall walking gives you the opportunity to see new things. One of the benefits to mall walking is that you can enjoy other activities at the same … Continue reading →

Walking Can Reduce Chance of Having a Stroke

Sometimes we need to be reminded of all the benefits found in walking. We know that it’s good for us but sometimes we don’t think about the specific benefits in doing so. One of the dilemmas middle-aged people face is increased weight gain in their middle. If there is one trouble area that I have found in recent years to be my thorn in my side it is my middle. The sad thing is that having a heavier middle also increases your risk for heart problems, including heart attacks. Women especially are at an increased risk of developing heart disease. … Continue reading →

Can A Pedometer Help You Lose Weight?

A pedometer does more than just keep track of your steps. I really believe it can help you lose weight. First of all, if you are new to the idea of walking for exercise you might not realize how many steps a day you are taking. Experts believe that those who are seeking optimal fitness should take 10,000 steps a day. That sounds like a lot. In fact it might sound impossible. But I challenge you to purchase a pedometer and find out how many steps you are already taking. You just might be surprised. Once you see how many … Continue reading →

Make the Most of Your Evening Stroll

Here’s some food for thought the next time you decide to lace up your sneakers and head out to burn calories in the fresh spring air: Fitness experts say walking is a good form of exercise… provided you take 100 steps per minute. A new study shows that the 100 steps per minute pace is vital for those who want to reap the most benefits while hitting the pavement. Experts say, ideally, the pace should be intense enough to produce sweat. While some walkers use a pedometer to keep track of how many steps they take, experts say the device … Continue reading →

Walking May Not Be Good Enough

Remember those reports that claimed getting some exercise is better than skipping out on physical fitness altogether? Well, according to new reports, that statement may need to be amended—slightly. Once upon a time (translation: a few months ago) walking was considered a decent form of exercise. But now, researchers at the University of Alberta say they have evidence that proves walking may not be enough for individuals to experience significant health benefits. According to the study’s author, generally, low-intensity activity such as walking will not provide a person marked health benefits compared to programs that occasionally elevate the intensity. Researchers … Continue reading →