There’s a lot going in in the world and in each of our own “worlds.” Sometimes it all gets too heavy and we can be tempted to not workout or eat healthy. This is so normal!
But, the good news is — we have control of how our day goes; either our day is healthy with movement that lifts our spirit, good food and skincare products that nourish our health and quiet time so that we listen to our body OR it’s not. The choice and decisions are ours to make.
This week is all about moving our body with my Healthy Habit # 12: Just Walking it’s the First Step.Week 12 and Healthy Habit # 12:
Regarding our needed exercise to age well, I am often asked if just walking is good enough for people over 45.
The short answer is: Nope. Sorry, but it’s not.Walking IS a great first step – pun intended.
So, if you’re thinking of starting an exercise program, then yes – get up and go for a walk. Or, if you’ve been walking more than normal during the last year because of the pandemic, then now is the time to take that next step. Strength training, for instance, can’t be ignored later in life. If you need a strength training class email me.
First, here’s what’s so great about walking. It’s easy for most people, and you can do it anywhere, anytime, with no special equipment other than a good pair of shoes. You can even burn around 300 calories an hour – more if you increase the speed or add some hills to tax your glutes, hamstrings and calves a bit more, and that’s always a good thing.
A consistent routine can lead to weight loss, up to 15 pounds a year for someone who is just starting out. So that’s a great start, but realize that for continued weight loss, like any other routine, you’ll have to increase the intensity or duration.
That might mean incorporating some intervals – jogging for 1 minute of every 5 or 10 minutes of walking, for example. Gradually increase the time you’re jogging. You might even add some light hand weights for a greater challenge.
Walk at a brisk pace, so that a prolonged conversation is a challenge. That’s the pace needed to lead to improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. Walk right into see me so I can show you the next steps on your fitness journey to strength, stamina, agility – and living the life you want. AND, aging well!
xo, Christine