Benefits of Walking

To maintain a healthy and happier lifestyle, walking may be the right choice for you.  It is an easy, safe and inexpensive way to exercise and keep up your health. Walking can also be a relaxing and invigorating way to keep up with a healthy lifestyle.  The results of walking are physically rewarding and add enjoyable years to your life.

What are the Benefits of Walking?

Walking is an excellent way to begin an exercise program for those who have a long history of inactivity, problems with obesity, or who just don’t like strenuous activity.  When beginning, you should start off slowly, gradually increasing your speed to maintain a steady pace. A good conditioning program begins with moderation and dedication.

Podiatrists recommend walking to ease, or ward off, a number of physical related illnesses.  Walking can help you:

  • Strengthen your heart and lungs
  • Improve circulation
  • Prevent heart attacks and strokes
  • Reduce obesity and high blood pressure
  • Boost your metabolic rate
  • Favorably alter your cholesterol
  • Improve muscle tone in your legs and abdomen
  • Reduce stress and tension
  • Reduce arthritis pain
  • Stop bone tissue decay

Don’t all of these benefits sound great? And what makes it even better is that walking is easy and simple to do. You don’t even need a gym membership!

What Shoes Should I Wear When Walking?

It is important to choose a good quality, lightweight walking shoe with breathable upper materials, such as leather or nylon mesh.  The heel counter should be very firm, as it should have reduced cushioning to position the heel closer to the ground for walking stability.   The front area of the shoe should also have adequate support and flexibility, as well.

Make sure the shoe fits your feet accordingly.  The shoe should be snug, but not too tight over the sock and have plenty of room for the toes to move around.  What athletic socks you choose are important as well because you don’t want your shoe to become too tight when wearing socks.  Some other shoe tips for you to remember are:

  • Check the shoe width to make sure it is comfortable and accommodates the width of the ball of your foot.
  • Make sure you get good arch support.
  • See that the top of the heel counter of the shoe is properly cushioned and does not bite into the heel or touch the anklebones.  

Proper footwear is essential in protecting your feet from injury and pain as well as allowing you to properly walk for exercise.  

It is vital to maintain regular visits to your podiatrist while exercising to ensure the safety of your feet and to make sure aches or pains do not develop.  

STERLING HEIGHTS

8244 Metro Parkway
Sterling Heights, MI 48312

 (586) 277-3476
 (586) 795-4060

Office Hours

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Tuesday8:30 am5:00 pm
Wednesday8:30 am5:00 pm
Thursday8:30 am5:00 pm
Friday8:30 am5:00 pm
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