Benefits of Walking

[sunilkumar]

It is said that every person has two doctors with him... his right leg & his left leg. A vigorous 5 mile walk can do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy man than any medicine or psychology. it is the easiest exercise for most individuals, one that can done without equipment except good shoes, in most terrains & weather & also in very old age.

What we are talking about is not just walking but brisk walking. Here are the benefits of the same--

Why walking ?--

Walking is the most natural exercise known to man.

Besides this, here are the other benefits of walking---

1 ) Walking improves circulation--

Calf muscles are man's second heart. On walking, these muscles pump the blood to the heart with all force. This leads to greater heart exercise, increased oxygen requirement & better blood circulation.

2) Walking is good for the heart--

The increased oxygen requirements lead to exercise for the heart. On a long term basis, it leads to a better circulation for the heart. Thus it reduces the chances of a heart attack.


3 ) Walking cuts fatigue--

Once daily brisk walking has become a habit, you start reaping the benefits.
Soon there is no need of any laxatives.
No more low back ache.
No more of that catch while bending.
Above all, in shape body is not easily fatigued.

4 ) Psychological benefits --

Many studies have shown enormous psychological benefits of walking. It has been shown that daily walking habit reduces anxiety, tension & improves mood.


What is "brisk walking"?

It has been shown that what works best is not walking but "brisk walking". Scientifically, it correlates with the pulse rate that you should achieve for the maximum benefit. However, simply speaking, brisk walking means : a level that's not just strolling; but not out pf breath either.

5) Walking improves the posture.

How many minutes a day should one walk briskly?

No study has established the exact time for the maximum benefit. However 45minutes to 1 hour is a good guide.

You can even incorporate it in your daily life style. That way you will automatically walk briskly to the office & for that matter anywhere. A short brisk walk is is worth two miles of ambling. That way you will easily get minimal amount of good exercise every day. And, as striding becomes a habit, you will soon get more exercise, willingly.

[megrisoft]

Many people teach themselves to speed walk by increasing their usual walking pace and swinging or "pumping" their arms vigorously. Posture is important in both speed walking (http://www.indiabook.com/articles/html/10941551694067.html) and race-walking. Following are the guidelines for speed walkers that would sure help them:

Talk to your doctor:
Despite speed walkers' low injury rate, consult your physician before beginning this or any other exercise regimen.

Heed your pain:
"If you develop dizziness, pain, nausea or any other unusual symptom, slow down or stop. If the problem persists, see your physician before walking again."

Don't forget to stretch:
To reduce your risk for muscle strains and other injuries, be sure to warm up, stretch and cool down properly. To warm up, walk for several minutes at a relatively slow pace to increase blood circulation through your muscles to keep your health (http://www.onlineindian.com/forum-12.html) fit.

Safety in numbers:
If there are no safe places to walk alone near your home or workplace, join a speed walkers club. Speed walking in pairs or groups fights monotony and motivates you to speed walk regularly.

Keep left:
You may need to speed walk on the street if the sidewalks are uneven or absent. Always walk along the left side of the road so you can see oncoming traffic.

Be visible:
Wear light colors or reflective tape on your clothing when speed walking. This is especially important if you walk in the road, at dusk, at night or in foggy conditions.

Stay challenged:
As your physical conditioning improves, step up your pace and swing your arms more vigorously as you speed walk. The longer and faster you walk, the more fat you'll burn.

[arti]

Correct! walking is the best and easiest exercise.People of any age group whether young,old or whether suffering from any disease walking is very helpful for all.
People who suffer from High BP,fatigue,headache or any other disease can get rid of it just by walking half-to one hour a day.

"So take a ride,this time not in a car but on your foot"

[sheetal17]

wow this much benefits just by walking great.......
i used to walk daily .

[dluton]

Yes this has been known to me and the effects of walking has also been felt. However I want to know one thing as I came across another site where it was written contradictory to the popular belief walking after meals is not good for us. Now I do walk for 30 minutes both after lunch and dinner please advice if this is good for health. Although I try to walk as much as possible during the other time of the day but specifically walking after meals is good or bad for health! By the way the site I am talking about confirmed this was a new finding from the scientists.

[kamalkumar]

By the Medical Health Information Walking is one of the best, safest and most natural forms of exercise. You can, in fact, walk your way to a healthier, stronger cardiovascular system. Walking is effective exercise for people of all ages and all states and levels of health.
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kamal kumar

(http://www.myringtoneshub.com/specials/buy-cell-phone-ringtones.htm)

[dev]

thats welll said as for any illness there's a cure! Walking is very good for health and we must use our two doctors as many times as we can