Walk Your Way to Better Heart Health

There’s no age limit to start an exercise routine. Even if you’ve never regularly exercised, you can do wonders for your heart, and overall mental health if you start now. If you’re trying to ease into fitness for the first time, regain lost fitness or just want to improve your health, walking can yield many gains with few pains! All you need is a comfortable pair of walking shoes and good weather.

Walking is one of the simplest ways to get — and stay — active, and the cardiovascular benefits are unmatched. Walking for just 30 minutes five days a week can improve your cardiovascular health, cholesterol and blood pressure. It also can prevent weight gain and fight diabetes, vascular stiffness and inflammation. 

If you’re stuck sitting at work all day, sometimes it can be easier to talk the talk instead of walk the walk. While scheduling exercise into your busy daily routine can be difficult, it’s not impossible. Here are some tips to help you start.

1. Go for an early morning walk. Take your dog and get your workout in before you leave for work.
2. When driving to work or the store, park your car far from the entrance so you have to walk a little farther.
3. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
4. Schedule time to get up and move around your office. Whether you’re heading to the kitchen for a drink or taking a lap, a little burst of movement can help you reach your daily fitness goal.
5. Recruit your coworkers for a daily lunchtime walk outside.

Whether you’re on a treadmill or a nature trail, walking is a simple and natural exercise that doesn’t require any skills, instructions or equipment. If hills are difficult at first, start slowly on a flat surface and increase your distance, speed and incline as your muscles and heart adapt. With a little patience, practice and persistence, you may be able to move your way up to more cardio and resistance exercises. Talk with your doctor to create the best walking program for you!