5 Reasons Why You Should Be Walking

Compared to what most of us view as traditional exercise, walking is easy, practical, and inexpensive. All you really need is a good pair of comfortable shoes and lucky for you, we can help with that. ; )

Walking is so simple that most people don’t even view it as real exercise, but it certainly is.

While strength training and high intensity cardiovascular exercise burn lots of calories and get the heart pumping, going for a brisk walk can be a very effective way to get in shape.

Here’s why you should walk for exercise:

1. Walking might be one of the easiest exercises you can do to burn calories. If you weigh 150 lbs and walk at a normal pace, you’ll burn 250 calories per hour.
2. It requires no equipment. Beyond some decent shoes, of course. No dumbbells, no yoga mats, no fancy equipment, just a pair of comfortable shoes.
3. You can do it virtually anywhere for free. You don’t need a gym, in fact you don’t even need to leave your house. You can climb the stairs in your 
   house or walk from one end of your apartment to the other.
4. It’s low impact. Hitting the pavement hard while running or jumping can take a toll on your knees. Walking provides a minimally strenuous form of exercise that’ll result in far less wear and tear on your body.
5. Walking Boosts creativity. Yep, you can spark creativity simply by going for a walk. Next time you’re lacking ideas, head outdoors for half an hour. I do it all the time for writer’s blockp. Trust me, it works wonders!

Walking is something that most all of us do on a regular basis, but if you have a health issue that limits your mobility in any major way, be sure to check with your physician before you start any type of exercise regimen.

Here is a great routine to start with. As you progress, you can amp up the intensity and duration….or not. 

3 Minutes Walk (easy pace)

2 Minutes Walk (brisk pace)

30 Seconds Walk (top speed)

2 Minutes Walk (brisk pace)

30 Seconds Walk (top speed)

2 Minutes Walk (brisk pace)

30 Seconds Walk (top speed)

2 Minutes Walk (brisk pace)

30 Seconds Walk (brisk pace)

3 Minutes Walk (easy pace)