Sep 07 2009
Walk yourself thin!
It’s not as hard as you think. Did you know a 10K is just 6.2 miles? Chances are you could cover half of that right now on a 45-minute stroll with a friend. Remember that’s WALK not run.Walking for exercise does not have to be just a fair weather activity. Even in the winter you can find places to walk in the worst weather; try the mall, or a area hospital, or even the local school, most are more than happy to let people use the gym to walk in.
Walk for a cause: weight loss may be the main reason for your exercising but why not do good at the same time, and enjoy being with some friends? Consider some of these nationwide events.
- Great Strides - Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. www.cff.org/great_strides
- Start! Heart Walk - American Heart Association. http://www.mystartonline.org/
- Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes - American Diabetes Association. www.diabetes.org/stepout
- Susan G Komen Race for the Cure - Benefits breast cancer research. http://www.komen.org/
- Walk MS - National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalimssociety.org/
What to wear, what to eat: when training it pays to be prepared. The best sue is a running or cross-training (most “walking” shoes are too stiff) remember the 3 F’s:
- FIT - make sure the sure is snug but that you have enough room in the toe area for a comfortable wiggle of your toes.
- FLAT - when you look at the outside of the shoe, the slope between the forefoot and heel shouldn’t be too pronounced.
- FLEXIBLE - the forefoot should be pliable; you should be able to bend it fairly easily with your hands.
To get the most out of your workout you should also be training yourself to have the right breakfast. The best fuel: a carb-protein combo like whole-wheat toast with peanut butter and banana or oatmeal made with skim milk, blueberries and nuts.
