Walking Is The Perfect Low Impact Exercise - Do It Regularly!

An incredible walk on beautiful Naples Beach - November 2022. Photo Courtesy of Charly Caldwell II.

If you haven’t exercised in a while, or are looking for something easy you can do every single day, give walking a try.

It’s easy to do, there is no equipment required and anyone can start regardless of their fitness level.

If it’s been a while since you exercised, start by going for a 10-minute walk around the neighborhood and gradually build from there.

Maybe your doctor suggested that you move more, or maybe you just want to be proactive about your health and well-being. In either case, walking is the perfect way to start.

Begin by finding a pair of comfortable shoes, put them on and go for a stroll through your neighborhood.

You could also find a local park with a nice path or head to the beach. If the weather doesn’t permit walking outside, head to the mall to walk or hop on a treadmill.

No treadmill? No problem.

You can even walk in place at home in front of your TV.

Here’s a simple idea to get you moving more. As you're sitting on the couch watching TV, get up during commercial breaks and march in place until your favorite show comes back on.

If you’re using a service like Netflix, make yourself walk in place for 10 minutes in between episodes. Or turn on the TV and challenge yourself to march in place during the entire show. Time will fly while you’re having fun watching TV and moving.

Speaking of having fun...

Going for a walk outside can be a lot of fun too. Mix up your route and walk in different areas, or visit different parks. Invite a friend to join you. It’s always nice to have someone to talk to and having a buddy keeps you accountable. 

You can also grab your phone and listen to music or an audio books to help the time pass faster.

The most important thing is that you get out and move.

Bodies were meant to move and as the saying goes, ‘a body in motion stay’s in motion.’  

In addition to being fun and relaxing, walking is great for your health.

Walking gets you outside in the fresh air and sunshine. This alone will make you feel better as your body absorbs the oxygen and sunshine. As an extra bonus, the sunshine will help your body produce all the Vitamin D it needs.

Walking, particularly at a quick pace, done regularly can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Walking improves your sense of balance and coordination. As you walk, particularly when walking over uneven terrain, you’re also working on your balance and coordination. Just getting in the habit of going for a daily walk will help.

Last but certainly not least, the exercise of walking releases endorphins that will help lift your mood and can even reduce depression. The next time you’re feeling tired or are in a bad mood, lace up your sneakers and go for a brisk walk. It works like a charm.

Angie Ferguson is an exercise physiologist and Tony Robbins Results Coach from Fort Myers, Florida. She also is a Corrective Biomechanics Specialist, USA Triathlon Advanced Level 2 coach, USA Cycling coach, has a Specialty in Sports Nutrition certification, and a PhD in results!  

If you're looking for continual support, direction, guidance & accountability join Angie's Monthly Program here, and we'll help you look, feel and be your very best!