Walking has lots of benefits. However, there are things you need to learn before you start your working program.
Is it okay for me to walk?
Answer the following questions before you begin a walking program.
- Has your health care provider told you that you have heart trouble, diabetes, or asthma?
- When you are physically active, do you have pains in your chest, neck, shoulder, or arm?
- Do you often feel faint or have dizzy spells?
- Do you feel extremely breathless after you have been physically active?
- Has your health care provider told you that you have high blood pressure?
- Has your health care provider told you that you have bone or joint problems, such as arthritis?
- Are you over 50 years old and not used to doing any moderate physical activity?
- Do you have a health problem or physical reason not mentioned here that might keep you from starting a walking program?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, please check with your health care provider before starting a walking program or other form of physical activity.
Things I need to pay attention to or avoid
Leave time in your busy schedule to follow a walking program that will work for you. Keep the following points in mind as you plan your program:
- Choose a safe place to walk. Find a partner or group of people to walk with you. Your walking partner(s) should be able to walk with you on the same schedule and at the same speed.
- Wear shoes with proper arch support, a firm heel, and thick flexible soles that will cushion your feet and absorb shock. Before you buy a new pair, be sure to walk in them in the store.
- Wear clothes that will keep you dry and comfortable. Look for synthetic fabrics that absorb sweat and remove it from your skin.
- For extra warmth in winter, wear a knit cap. To stay cool in summer, wear a baseball cap or visor.
- Think of your walk in three parts. Warm up by walking slowly for 5 minutes. Then, increase your speed and do a fast walk. Finally, cool down by walking slowly again for 5 minutes.
- Do light stretching after your warm-up and cool-down.
- Try to walk at least three times per week. Each week, add 2 or 3 minutes to your walk. If you walk less than three times per week, you may need more time to adjust before you increase the pace or frequency of your walk.
- To avoid stiff or sore muscles and joints, start gradually. Over several weeks, begin walking faster, going further, and walking for longer periods of time.
- Set goals and rewards. Examples of goals are participating in a fun walk or walking continuously for 30 minutes.
- Keep track of your progress with a walking journal or log.
- The more you walk, the better you may feel and the more calories you may burn.
Experts recommend 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week. If you cannot do 30 minutes at a time, try walking for shorter amounts and gradually working up to it.
Safety Tips
Keep safety in mind when you plan your route and the time of your walk.
- If you walk at dawn, dusk, or night, wear a reflective vest or brightly colored clothing.
- Walk in a group when possible.
- Notify your local police station of your group's walking time and route.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
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