3 Tips to Better Health by Walking Every Day

By Andy De Ronda

The human body is an amazing machine, in fact even after years of attempts, scientists still haven't even come close to creating an artificial human, but our bodies do need to be maintained with a good diet and regular exercise otherwise they start to fail just like machines.
Even minimal exercise is better than none, though just 30 minutes brisk walking every day is enough to help the body burn calories and keep muscles toned. Walking 30 minutes isn't very much, most of us will easily walk 30 minutes ding regular chores, but sadly too many of us use the car far too much when a quick walk would be just as convenient.
Fitness experts recognize that short walks of 10 minutes done three times per day are just as good for us as a half hour walk, and how many of us can't find 10 minutes? The key of course is that the walk needs to be reasonably brisk, ideally you don't want to saunter around like you're looking in shop windows. Instead walk with purpose, pick up your speed a bit.
The great thing about walking is that you don't need any special equipment aside from a pair of running shoes, you could even walk barefoot if you have a large enough space where you won't cut your feet on stones. A local high school running track is ideal, or if the sidewalk in your neighborhood is well maintained consider walking a couple of blocks.
Walking also has the advantage that a brisk pace elevates your heart rate so helps burn fat and calories, and also strengthens leg and stomach muscles, and if you use a small weight in each hand whilst moving your arms forward and backwards as you walk you'll also tone arm, chest, and back muscles.
To get for most from walking consider these 3 great tips to help you maximize the effectiveness of your walking regime.
1. Schedule time in your calendar for 'me time' when you can go for a brisk walk without being interrupted. Try leaving your cellphone in the office or at home. you'll find a few minutes of brisk walking will release endorphins that make you feel better and more motivated. Instead of sitting at your desk during your mid morning coffee break, grab a bottle of water and walk for 10 minutes. You'll have more energy, and you'll be helping your body stay in shape.
2. Buy a pedometer or step counter to track how many steps you take every time you go for your 10 or 30 minutes walk, then try to increase the number of steps every time. See if you can take 10,000 steps per day. It sounds like a huge number, but actually it isn't and you'll be surprised how easy it really is. Your body will thank you, and you'll be thanking your body when you look in the mirror and see a slimmer healthier you smiling back.
3. Try to walk where there are steps or sloping terrain so your muscles have the chance for a little extra workout. A brisk 10 minute walk that also includes 30-40 steps that you have to climb is great news for your heart. A healthy heart carries more blood around your body, that means more oxygen to vital organs, and helps your body fight infection.