|
If you live close enough to work, consider walking as an alternative
to driving your car. Perhaps your commute can combine a walk to a
bus stop and then catching a bus to work. Not only will you help cut
down on traffic congestion and smog, you'll get regular exercise and
save on gasoline costs. You'll also have the opportunity to get to know
your neighborhood on a more intimate level and foster a stronger
sense of community.
Health Benefits
of Walking:
Walking
has been shown to result in a remarkably large range of health
benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of heart
disease, diabetes, cancer, male impotence, obesity and
osteoporosis.
- Alleviation of
depression.
- Lower blood pressure.
- Lower cholesterol levels.
Walking
Tips:
-
Do a few
warm-up exercises to limber up your muscles
before starting your walk and conclude your
walk with some stretching exercises. Start
with short walks and gradually build up to a
longer distance.
-
Find a
rhythm that feels comfortable and swing your
arms naturally to balance your leg movements.
Consider using a backpack, instead of
carrying a bag or briefcase, to leave your
arms free.
-
Be sure to
wear comfortable, cushioned walking shoes.
Your clothes should be comfortable too and
allow you to move freely.
-
Level,
well-lighted streets with sidewalks and
traffic signals usually provide the safest,
easiest places to walk. If you walk at a time
of day when the sun is not fully shining,
carry a flashlight and wear reflective
clothing.
-
For
safety's sake, always cross streets at
intersections or marked crosswalks.
-
If you
have to take a route that has no sidewalk,
walk on the left side of the street so you
can see approaching traffic.
Additional details and tips
about walking are available at several websites, including:
www.walkinginfo.org
www.walking.about.com
www.apma.org/sports/walking.html |
