Have you been meaning to start walking but have yet to begin? Do you see people out walking as you do your errands and think to yourself, “That should be me?” You are not alone. The intent to exercise is a common mindset. It is easy and it feels good to believe that you plan to do something in the future. In fact, according to Wellcoaches®, planning on doing something is a real and necessary step in the health behavior change process.
If you have been planning on starting a walking program for a while, here are four benefits of a regular walking program that might just get you over the hump:
- Walking 30 minutes per day 5 days per week along with dietary changes can halve the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
- Walking can reduce pain and improve function, mobility, mood and quality of life.
- Walking triggers endorphins, promotes relaxation and prevents anxiety and depression.
- Walking 45 minutes a day halves the odds of catching a cold.
If you are just beginning a walking program and feel that walking 30 minutes per day 5 days per week is too much, you are right. Begin your walking program gradually. For example, you can start walking 15 minutes 3 days per week. Choose a realistic duration and days per week. Remember, you want to feel successful because success builds upon itself.
Don’t forget the story of Charles Fleming. Boy, did he start slow and look where he is today. Pain free and feeling fabulous. He built a community of walking friends that meet regularly.
Remember, walking is easy, cheap and it gets you out of your house and out of your mind. Start your program (gradually) today. If you need don’t know how to start, give me a holler. That’s what I do – I help people get started living their own active life.