Florida Perry Smith

Walking For Life: That Certain Something

Do you know, that most of us walk more than 750 miles a year? That's like walking from Chicago to Charlotte. Nothing could be easier. I mean, we all know how to walk. And you don't need any special gear or outfits, just a great pair of shoes.
If you've never walked for fitness before, you need to start off slow and easy. Just get outside and walk for  ten minutes. Add five minutes to your walk every couple of days. So how far do you have to go to loose weight and get fit? Let's find out from my good friend, Dr. Kenneth Cooper at the world renowned Cooper Aerobic Center in Dallas.
"Our studies clearly show, conducted here at the Cooper Institute, that if you were to walk two miles in 30 minutes three times a week, it has potential to increase your lifespan by up to six years."
It's fairly easy to get more walking into your daily life. Get up early to walk the dog. Or walk to the store instead of driving. At work, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park a little farther away, or walk to a co-worker's desk instead of sending an e-mail.
Find someone to go walking with. A walking companion is exactly what you need to make your daily walk a routine that's fun and something to look forward to. And don't forget to include the whole family—kids, adults, even seniors can benefit from walking. Make it your family time together.
You can also help out in your community by participating in a walk-a-thon to raise money for charity. And make sure to replace your walking shoes every six months if you're putting in a lot of miles. Wear them much longer than that and you will lose all the cushioning that keeps the spring in your step.