John Is Fit

What You Don't Know About The Importance of Walking

Posted: 13 Dec 2011 04:05 AM PST

This is a guest post by Joel.

The Journal of the American Medical Association published a report in January of 2011 that verified that a person's gait was a good predictor of life expectancy. The research that backed up this finding followed on the heels of other studies that took place over fourteen years. The studies in this research found that those older Americans who walked at greater speeds than their counterparts could be expected to live longer. It is thought that better physical fitness is achieved by walking at a faster gait.

There have been many such studies that have proven the value of walking on human fitness levels. Home exercise equipment, such as elliptical trainers are thought to be the easiest ways to include walking into daily routines. The use of other equipment as well as taking walks during the day are other ways of including workouts that help to achieve better health.

Walking and Health Benefits

Many studies have also shown that when an individual engages in frequent walking throughout their life they can expect to reap health benefits that others who do not are unable to take advantage of. It is also shown that walkers are able to control their blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure better than those who are more sedentary. That means that they are not as likely to develop conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Because of the calories that are burned and better muscle tone gained through exercise on such equipment as elliptical cross trainers, a healthier body weight is also maintained.

Life-threatening diseases are often avoided, and this may account for much of the reason longer lives are enjoyed by those who walk routinely. Even those who are out of shape and it is difficult for them to exercise can take advantage of this type of simple activity by starting out slowly and building up to a faster pace. As time goes by, endurance will increase, and the cardiovascular system will be conditioned to the point that speed will naturally increase.

Developing a Walking Routine

Anyone who can walk can develop a walking routine that will help to improve their fitness level which will be visible on the outside. It should not matter what is going on in your personal life or your current age, and it will only take about twenty minutes of your time each day. Even the most sedentary person can benefit from better fitness.

All you have to do it begin by discovering the best routes to walk. There are generally some walking trails or parks in every neighborhood or fields where you can walk daily. You can even purchase some type of fitness equipment to work out right at home, and doing this will provide you with the ability to get your exercise at any time of the day and without regard to the weather.

Common exercise equipment

Treadmills
Elliptical Trainers
Rowing Machines
Exercise Bikes

Elliptical trainers and treadmills are better suited to walking, but there are many benefits to be realized from rowing and biking. Each person has their personal preference about the type of equipment they would like to use, but there are many considerations when making that choice. If you are worried about your muscles and joints you might want to consider an elliptical since it is not as likely to cause injuries.

As you develop your exercise plan you should include walking outdoors along with some exercise at home on your personal equipment. Consistency is the key to your success in getting and staying fit and reaping all the health benefits that go with it, so be sure that you schedule specific times of the day and week and stick with your plan.

Energy, Metabolism, and Walking

Most of us would simply like to be able to age gracefully and that includes ordinary people right along with professional athletes. Therefore, stay-at-home parents and pro athletes alike can benefit from increasing their energy levels and metabolism rates by walking. Walkers even experience enhanced performance regardless if they are playing sports or just working around the house.

The benefit of greater cardiovascular endurance enhances the lives of anyone who is willing to add walking to their daily routines. As you get more fit, even the humdrum activities such as housework can become easier and much safer when you add walking to your life.

Maintaining a healthy weight and fighting off disease as you age are just some of the benefits that can be realized through workouts that include walking. If you think you would like to increase your predicted life span, maybe you should dust off your walking shoes and get on that elliptical trainer and get with it.

Joel is an all-time fan of aerobics exercising who recently discover the hidden power of walking. He decided to run a topfitreviews.com site where he reviews home exercise equipment for people who can't go out for a walk but still want to learn the benefits of walking.

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