From Dr. Waldron: Better health, one step at a time

From Dr. Waldron: Better health, one step at a time

Let’s face it. Some people just don’t have the time or the budget for a gym membership. But here’s an easy way to get — and stay– fit, on your schedule. And all it costs is a good pair of walking shoes.

Research shows a sedentary lifestyle has a debilitating effect on our health as we age, therefore exercise is imperative. Walking accomplishes all of the following and more:

-Improves cardiovascular endurance
-Tones muscles of the lower body
-Burns calories: about 80 if walking 2 miles per hour, and about 107 if walking 4.5 miles per hour
-Reduces risk of heart disease

Selecting Shoes

Make sure the shoes you purchase fit properly. The balls of your feet should rest exactly at the point where the toe end of the shoe bends during walking.

-Select shoes with plenty of cushioning in the soles to absorb impact.
-Shop for sneakers at the end of the day or after a workout when your feet are generally at their largest. Wear the type of socks you usually wear during exercise.
-When trying on shoes, be sure to wear them for at least 10 minutes at the store.

Once you have purchased a pair of shoes, don’t walk them into the ground. While estimates vary as to when the best time to replace old shoes is, most experts agree that between 300 and 500 miles is optimal.

Getting Started

Walking just 12 minutes every other day can offer important health benefits. But in order to increase your longevity, try to work up to 30 minutes, five days per week. Experts generally agree that to be considered “active,” adults should try to take 10,000 steps each day. Wearing a pedometer is an easy way to track your progress.

The following tips can help you get started in your walking regimen:

-Move your arms freely, in coordination with the opposite leg.
-Don’t stoop your head or look down as you walk. This will challenge the normal forward curve of your neck, which, in turn, will cause you to carry your weight improperly.
-Don’t carry weights or dumbbells while walking. They’re better used as a separate part of your exercise regimen.
-Expect a little soreness in the thighs and calves for the first week or two. If you experience more than soreness, check with your doctor of chiropractic.
-Walk briskly, with “purpose.” Simply sauntering, while relaxing and enjoyable, is not an effective form of cardiovascular exercise.

Walking Surfaces

Some walking surfaces are better than others on your musculoskeletal system.

– Walking on a cushioned or rubberized track is ideal, because the cushioning of this type of track absorbs most of the impact of your walking. Many recreation centers offer this type of track free of charge.
-Grass is another good surface, but watch out for hidden dips or holes in the ground.