Loudoun County, Va. — From Netflix, to cell phone apps, to nearly everything going mobile these days, it’s getting easier to avoid being just that: mobile. Parents spend hours in the car commuting to and from work and family activities. Kids have rigorous academic schedules with lots of homework. These all can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle. According to the American Heart Association, the number of overweight and obese adults is continuing to climb. So what are some tips to help keep you from becoming part of this statistic? Today is the American Heart Association’s National Walking Day! Let’s lace up those sneakers and celebrate today and all year long!
Making a walking program part of your fitness routine has many benefits. It’s fun, easy and free! It’s also shown that this type of physical activity has the lowest dropout rate. When it comes to walking, excuses like, “it’s too hard” or “I can’t find time” should never fly. You can do it almost anywhere and it’s easy to incorporate into your daily agenda so you don’t necessarily have to go to a gym. Here are some tips to fit a walk into your day:
- Try walking around your neighborhood, office building or your child’s school while they are at practice for 30 minutes
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator
- Park your car at the far end of the parking lot when you go to the grocery store or run an errand
Students can come up their own version of these ideas if they have time before their after school activity or before they start their homework.
Need more reasons to lace up those sneakers and hit the pavement? According to the American Heart Association, research shows that walking 30 minutes a day offers the following health benefits:
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With a low dropout rate, there’s no need to take a leap of faith in starting a walking program! Photo by Mary Beth Pittinger. Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces high cholesterol
- Reduces body fat and helps control body weight
- Boosts mental well-being
- Increases bone density, which helps to prevent osteoporosis
- Reduces the risk of diabetes
- Helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly
- Increases muscle strength, increasing the ability to do other physical activities
Keep in mind, in addition to walking, any form of regular activity can improve your overall health. It improves the memory, relieves tension, anxiety, depression and anger. Physical activity can also help you lengthen your life expectancy even if you don’t start until you are middle-aged. Exercise can help you feel and look younger.
A little prevention can go a long way to living a healthier lifestyle or just kick starting those health and fitness goals you’ve set for yourself.
Note from our sponsor: At Loudoun Sports Therapy Center, the clinicians can help you meet your fitness and wellness goals. Whether you are recovering from an injury or trying to eliminate a nagging pain that is preventing you from doing what you love, they can help! Physical therapy can help you live life PAIN FREE! Call 703-450-4300 and schedule your appointment TODAY!
