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WALKING TIPS |
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| Walking is great for your overall health. Just a half-hour at a brisk pace most days of the week helps guard against heart disease, osteoporosis and other major illnesses - plus...walking gives you more energy. However, as with any form of exercise, it's important to do it the right way. To Step Safely: | |||||||
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SET |
realistic goals and pace yourself. | |
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WEAR |
properly-fitted shoes to prevent blisters, shin, knee or heel pain. | |
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DRINK |
plenty of fluids -- especially on hot days when your body can lose up to a quart of fluid an hour. | |
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TAKE |
natural steps, not giant strides. Taking big steps can stress you calf muscles and over-extend your knees. Start slowly and workup to a faster pace after you have warmed up. | |
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STRETCH |
at the end of your walk when your muscles are good and warm. | |
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FINALLY, |
walk with a friend or family member; it's much more enjoyable and will keep you out of harm's way, especially at night. When you walk with a partner, you are more likely to stick with your walking program. | |
