Better Together: Walking Workouts

Spring has Sprung! It’s time to get out walking, and here is why!

Not only does walking outdoors boost your energy and endorphins, it’s a great opportunity to include your partner and further strengthen your relationship by adding another couple activity, not to mention the tremendous health benefits!

Walking outdoors gets you an opportunity to get some Vitamin D and burns more calories than walking on the treadmill due to changes in terrain and elevation as well as your body needing to regulate temperature.

3 Health Benefits Of Walking

Here are just a few benefits of walking:

1. Anti-Aging: studies have shown those who engaged in daily moderate exercise, such as a brisk walk, experienced anti-aging benefits that could add an additional three to seven years to your life.
2. Better Mobility: walking is known to improve sleep, support your joint health, improve circulation, and reduce the incidence of disability in those over 65.
3. Disease Prevention: research has also shown that walking 30 minutes a day may:
   • Reduce the risk of heart disease;
   • Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels;
   • Maintain body weight and lower risk of obesity; and
   • Reduce risks of breast and colon.

How Much Walking Is Good Exercise?

Researchers recommend a 20-minute daily walk to reap health benefits, but striving to walk 10,000 steps a day is a better goal.

Put Some Pep In Your Steps

Once  you get out there, kick your burn up a notch by trying these fun activities:

• Use a pedometer or a fitness tracker to measure your distance, adding distance each time;
• Time your route, try to beat your time each  time;
• Add intervals: try adding power walks between poles or signs and have an active recovery, making intervals longer;
• Add and interval of walking lunges to boost cardio and feel that leg burn; and
• Find a set of stairs or a hill to give your walk a cardio boost.

However you choose to challenge yourself, get outside with your partner and get walking!