If you are looking for easy ways to incorporate new healthy habits into your life, the Chiropractors at AICA Atlanta recommend walking more often.
Walking is one of the easiest ways to exercise and is completely safe for everyone, regardless of age or medical history.
The National Institutes of Health says that walking is useful for increasing personal energy and balancing mood swings, while also serving as an excellent channel for:
- Toning your muscles
- Strengthening your bones
- Burning off calories
- Preventing heart disease
- Preventing type 2 diabetes
- Reducing high cholesterol
- Reducing high blood pressure
Establishing A Walking Routine
Setting up a walking routine that aligns with your normal schedule and is the best way to achieve long-term success when it comes to managing your weight and reducing personal stress.
Review the following routines recommended by the Chiropractors at AICA Atlanta to see what makes the most sense for achieving your goals.
Goal: Improve Heart Health
- Plan – walk 30 minutes three to four times per week
- Effort – push yourself enough where it becomes hard to breathe and difficult to talk
Goal: Reduce Stress
- Plan – walk 40 minutes three to four times per week
- Effort – move at a comfortable pace where you can talk
Goal: Lose Weight
- Plan – walk 45 to 60 minutes five times per week
- Effort – Walk at mid-pace where you feel challenged, but it is not difficult to speak
Starting Out
As you start your walking routine, make sure that you are consuming plenty of water to stay hydrated and to help flush out harmful toxins.
Follow through with some light stretches before and after your routine to reduce the risk of injuring yourself. If you are not used to regular exercise, start out by walking for 15 minutes a day. Once your body becomes comfortable with this, try to add five minutes to your daily routine to improve your endurance.
To remain on track and focused on your goals for the long-haul, train yourself to think of walking as a privilege, not a chore.
Try not to compare your results to others and make sure to reward yourself after you’ve completed some personal goals, such as walking for thirty minutes five times a week or losing 10 pounds.
Set your routine up to be as convenient as possible to avoid getting burned out or frustrated. Keep your sneakers and workout clothes in your car or some place where they are always accessible. Write your walking routine into your personal organizer as another type of task that cannot be missed.
Learn Other Great Weight Management and Stress Relief Tips from AICA Atlanta
If you suffer from obesity or type 2 diabetes and are interested in taking control over your health, contact AICA Atlanta right away.
Our Chiropractors have served the greater Atlanta community for over 20 years and are experienced at helping patients reach their personal health goals.
We can provide you with a variety of treatment solutions and personal lifestyle tips that help you feel and perform at your best.
Fill out our online submission form or call us at (404) 889-8828 to schedule a consultation within the week.