Live Healthy By Walking

There are little things that I have discovered that will make a big difference on your walking experiences.  They are simple things that you may not think of doing; however, they are natural movements to your body.  So, get your mind in tune with your body and make your walking more interesting.

Do not look down as you walk.  Look straight ahead.  When you look down as you walk could put a strain on your neck and back and creates pain.  Just keep your chin up and see what is ahead of you. Keep your posture in the position of standing tall.

It is best that you do not take longer steps just for the purpose of walking faster.  When you want to walk fast all you have to do is to take quick, short steps. 

Give your body a boost by swinging your arms with force.  Every step you take your arms swing forward. Bend your arms in a 90 degree angle and swing them back and forth with your energy.  Do not clench your fists because it can unnecessarily raise your blood pressure.

I could not conclude this article without encouraging everyone to bump their calorie burn up to the next level by bringing along some Nordic poles. Using poles makes walking feel almost like gliding and using them can increase calorie burn by as much as 30 percent.   I am a Nordic walking and find it hard to take a walk without them.  They work the upper body muscles and contribute to working the whole body while you enjoy your walk. 

You need to enjoy your walk and always look for little things to do to make a huge difference in creating your healthy body.

Tags: exercise, Exerstrider, Healthy Walking, never give up, Nordic Poles, Rosalie Lynch, walking posture

Posture has a lot to do with preparing and keeping our bodies in tack for the purpose of achieving healthy benefits.

Just before you are ready to open the door and walk out, take a moment to shrug your shoulders to relax them.  To have your body relax at the beginning of your walk will ensure that your body will be relaxed throughout your walk.  Your posture needs to stand tall.  Do not lean forward because it can put a strain on your back muscles making it painful. 

It is important to practice breathing for about 15 minutes before you walk. Make sure you are breathing through your stomach, not your chest.  When you breathe though your stomach, you are utilizing the lower part of your lungs and that is the best.

For the purpose of proper posture when you start to walk make sure the heel of your foot touch the ground first and then roll your weight forward. Remember, short quick steps work your butt muscles instead of taking long strides.  

To summarize actions you can take to ensure proper walking posture, follow these five steps:

1. Before you step out your door for the walk, shrug your shoulders and shake your body to relax it
2. Stand tall and do not lean forward while stepping
3. Practice breathing, 15 minutes before your walk, through your stomach not your chest
4. Walk with your heel first and roll your foot
5. Permit yourself to take short, fast steps instead of long strides in your walking style

Tags: exercise, motivation, Rosalie Lynch, Walk, walking, walking posture