Ready to gain the benefits of walking? Here are some great tips to get started and how you can stay motivated.
Walking is among the most underrated exercises: it’s easy, free, available to nearly everyone, and the benefits are real. Physical activity doesn’t have to be as complicated as Richard Simmons makes it look; it can literally be as easy as putting on some good sneakers and taking a stroll. When it comes to your health, exercise is an important facet that should never be ignored. Know the health benefits of walking and how you can stay motivated and live a healthy life.
The Benefits of Walking
Taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes every day can be extremely beneficial, especially if you sit all day. Regular walking can help you:
- Strengthen your bones and muscles.
- Improve your daily mood.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Improve your coordination.
- Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Staying Motivated
Staying motivated to do anything can be pretty darn hard. But, if you keep at it, it’ll soon become a part of you. Here’s what you can do to keep motivated.
- Set yourself up for success. Start with a simple goal, such as, “I’ll take a 10-minute walk today.” When your 10-minute walk becomes a habit, set a new goal like, “I’ll walk for 20 minutes after work!” Find specific times for walks and stick to them.
- Make walking fun. If you don’t enjoy solitary walks, find a podcast or and audio book that’ll keep you company.
- Change your routine. If you walk outdoors, plan several different routes for variety. If you’re walking alone, be sure to tell someone which route you’re taking. Walk in safe, well-lit locations. You don’t want to take a misstep and twist your ankle.
- Don’t beat yourself up. If you find yourself skipping your daily walks, don’t give up. Remind yourself how good you feel when you include physical activity in your daily routine, and then get back on track.
The benefits of walking are real, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with its own risk. To be insured against any problems that may arise, contact VGW Walker Insurance for all of your Texas health insurance needs.
