Is walking a good way to stay fit? You bet it is. Most people will play games online on their mobile phones but will not exercise.
You don’t need only a gym membership to stay fit; it’s your life; if you don’t want to do cardio, deadlifts, and all, you don’t have to. But you have to, at the very least, incorporate walking into your daily life. You might think it isn’t that easy to do; everyone walks every day. What’s so special about it? Is it going to help me stay in shape? It is okay to have these kinds of questions but believe us; walking can heal you both physically and mentally and aid you in living a healthier life.
Who knows, you might like walking to the extent that you take up running and participate in sports events like different kinds of marathons. They are literally like a celebration of sports.
You have to work on your walking stride and posture; this will make the difference. Also, practice mindful walking. Mindful walking is when your mind is clear of all the distractions, and you are aware of your surroundings and how your body is feeling.
It is how you should look when walking:
- Your head raises. You’re looking ahead rather than down.
- Your shoulders, neck, and back are relaxed, not menacingly upright.
- Your arms are swinging freely, with a slight bend in your elbows. A little arm pumping is acceptable.
- Your stomach muscles are slightly tense, and your back is straight, neither bent forward nor backward.
- You’re walking smoothly, and your foot rolls from heel to toe.
Keep these factors in your mind before you begin your walking routine:
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and weather-appropriate gear. If you’re going out during the day, bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Choose shoes that are comfortable and have adequate arch support.
- Walk on paths free of potholes, cracked sidewalks, or any uneven surfaces as that will halt your walking and might cause accidents.
- Start by strolling for the first 5 to 10 minutes, and then speed up. Similarly, when finishing off, walk slowly for 5 to 10 minutes to help your muscles cool down.
- Has one of the sports apps downloaded on your phone to track distance, time, heart rate, and calories?
It all starts with one decision, and then you have to do your best to keep yourself motivated:
- You don’t have to get into it and walk for hours. Consistency is all that matters. Start with a clear goal of walking for 10 minutes a day for the first week, and then gradually increase it.
- If you don’t like walking alone, you can ask your friends or family members to walk with you. You can even join a sports community, walk club, or walking group.
- If you find yourself skipping your daily walks, reflect on how good you feel when you walk.
So take a step towards your health today.
