Why should I walk?
In this blog post, we are going to talk about what “Purposeful Walking” is, the benefits of walking, and how to start walking today! Do you find yourself making excuses to stay on the couch to watch one more show, or do you feel like you are too busy with your “To Do List” that you cannot spare 10 – 30 minutes for a brisk walk? Well, stay tuned because this post is for you!
The idea behind “Purposeful Walking” is stopping what you are doing and making an active choice to go for a walk. Walking is a great choice for an easy cardio exercise that people of all age groups or fitness level can perform. There are many benefits of walking:
- Improved Cardiovascular fitness
- Improved mood
- Improved Energy levels
- Boosts immune function
- Prevention/Management of various conditions
How to get started?
The Amercian Heart Association recommends that adults should get 150 minutes of moderate activity per week; however, that may not be realistic for individuals that are new to exercise. If that is the case, slowly increase your tolerance to walking. You may want to begin at 10 minutes a day for the first week then work your tolerance up 2-5 minutes per week until you are able to walk for 30 minutes a day. When thinking about your speed of walking, try to maintain a 4 to 5 on the rate of perceived exertion scale (RPE). (See chart below)
Safety tips for walking in the summer:
Safety tips for walking in the summer:- Walk during cooler weather (early in the morning or later in the evening)
- Be sure to remain hydrated
- Wear bright/reflective clothing when walking at night
- Always walk on the left side of the road
If you have any questions about how to begin your walking journey, please contact us at BRPT – Lake!