National Walking Day

Today is National Walking Day sponsored by the American Heart Association!

Starting today, the American Heart Association is promoting a month-long celebration designed to make every more physically active since today's society promotes a lot of sitting and sedentary activity.  Today specifically, everyone is encourages to put on those tennis shoes and go for a 30 minute walk!

Why start with walking?

Walking is a low-risk, low-impact exercise that almost anyone and everyone can do. Walking can help you to get fit and reduce your risk of serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke.  With a regular walking program, you can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, decrease weight, increase energy levels and build bone strength. 
Walking is also a very easy exercise to get started with. All you need are some tennis shoes and comfortable clothes. If you are new to exercise, start slowly and with short distances. Try to keep your breathing under control until your body gets more used to exercising. At first, don't worry about speed or distance, just worry about getting out there and moving!

Be Safe

The most important things to think about while walking outdoors is your safety. Know the area you will be walking in and try avoid high traffic areas. Sidewalks are best to walk on so you do not run the risk of getting in the way of passing cars. If you can, go with someone else. Two is always better than one is these situations in case of emergency. If you cannot find a walking buddy, be sure that someone knows that you are going for a walk and they know what route or area you will be walking in. 

Know When to Stop

If you start feeling aches and pains in your knees, back or other joints, stop. See a doctor just to be sure there are not any serious issues or injuries going on. You want to get them taken care of before they get worse!