The Simplest Fitness Plan, Walking

No matter where you live or work, or your economic situation

, there's one fitness avenue you can almost always find a way to pursue.

Requiring nothing more than a good pair of walking shoes, walking is good for your heart, help you shed that extra pound or two and improve your health in general. The Americans are more obese than Europeans because of the lack of walking, this is also the same reason why urban residents are less heavier than their rural counterparts.

While watching TV, you might have seen the commercials illustrating the benefits of walking while trying to sell you a treadmill or some type of contraption to promote weight loss and fitness. Walking can also help lower your bad cholesterol and raise the good ones, lower you blood pressure, reduce your risk of or help manage type 2 diabetes and improve your mood.

You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on fitness equipment to enjoy the benefits of walking. You can find a safe place to walk outdoors in your neighborhood or a local park or track, or you can go inside at a mall or large department store. You can enjoy the outdoor scenery, make new friends and navigate through the different terrains; although the changing weather can sometimes be a challenge.

Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program, especially if you have any fitness concerns. If you aren't fit enough to begin walking on your own, look into a enrolling in a local gym or fitness center. In cooperation with doctors, there are many places with the facilities to monitor your heart rate, weight and blood pressure to help you get into fitness routine slowly. These programs may even qualify you for insurance benefits.

Whether you start out on a guided program or on your own, the only piece of equipment you must have is a good pair of walking shoes. You have to realize that you need to invest on a really good pair because they will support your feet, legs and back and they are extremely essential.

Wearing comfortable clothes is also important whether you are indoors or out. Layers are good as you will warm up from internal heat when your heart rate rises, even if external conditions do not change. If you are walking outdoors, you need to wear bright colors so that motorists can see you, especially if you're crossing the street or walking through an area with no sidewalks.

It is recommended that you do you a slow walk in order to warm up first. You may need to stop and stretch after your muscles have warmed up depending on the level of your fitness. After each session, you need to go on a slow walk in order to cool down and stretch to avoid injury.

MP3 players may help pass the time but using these devices is not advisable especially if you are going through any unfamiliar or uncontrolled area. Being aware of approaching objects, people or animals is more important than your music particularly in this instance.

Instead, if you need motivation, find a walking buddy. If you wish, take a friend with you on your walks. One way to ensure a daily walk outdoors is to get a dog as a walking companion.

by: Marshall French

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