Posts Tagged ‘exercise’
The Benefits of Walking for Baby Boomers
Exercise at any age is beneficial for mind and body alike, but as many baby boomers are now reaching 65, the need to have a well established exercise routine becomes even greater. Walking is one of the best activities older adults can do since it does not put extra strain on muscles and joints and still provides many important health benefits.
Top Health Benefits
Weight Management: With increased activity comes increased calorie burning! Even something as low-impact as walking for exercise will help you maintain your weight when you incorporate it you’re your exercise schedule. While walking used to be one of the main forms of transportation, we as a nation are collectively avoiding having to walk anywhere unless it is absolutely necessary and this has lead to a highly inflated rate of obesity. Walking for exercise is a great (no-cost) way to get your body feeling for and fantastic.
Lower Blood Pressure: For those with high blood pressure, walking can help lower this since the activity actually improves blood flow.
Lower “Bad” Cholesterol, Raise “Good” Cholesterol: For those who have slightly elevated cholesterol levels, walking is often the least expensive, most natural way to reduce it. After a fill 6 – 12 months, there may even be as much as a 30% reduction in bad cholesterol. This in turn can also reduce the risk of heart disease.
Mental Health: Being completely inactive is not healthy for any one of any age. In fact, it can lead to depression. Exercise helps relieve boredom and also produces endorphins in the brain which are known to have a positive effect on mood.
Reduced Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes:
Many studies have shown that insulin resistance tends to be reduced in those who walk as part of an exercise pattern.
Getting Started
Like any exercise program, you want to have a game plan before you jump in head first. To begin, make sure you have appropriate footwear with flexible, thick soles so that the shock can be absorbed properly. You may also want to track your progress with a pedometer so that you can see the distance you are traveling. Start out at a comfortable distance and once that becomes very easy, begin boosting up the distance. If you are already used to walking for exercise, then continue what you have been doing while slowly increasing the distance. Always make sure you wear bright colors or reflective material so that vehicles can see you if you are planning on doing most of your walking on the road.
How Often You Should Exercise
How frequently you chose to exercise is largely dependent on your mobility, overall health and your schedule. However, numerous studies have shown that to get the most health benefits from this exercise it is best to take a brisk walk half an hour at a time for 5 days a week. If walking is difficult or time is extremely limited, these 30 minute sessions can be broken down into 10 minute sessions a few times per day.
About the Author
Emily Murray is a contributing writer for KwikMed, the company appointed by Watson Pharmaceuticals as the exclusive distributor of the newest morning after pill called ella.
