HeadlineWalking Improves Your Health and Trims Your Waistline

Walking is a low-impact fitness plan that lets you ease into a higher level of fitness.

It's safe, simple and great for beginners. All you need is comfortable shoes and it's free.

It's a natural form of exercise that burns calories, and it is an ideal fat burning activity.

It is an ideal family activity that will keep you fit and healthier.

It is an injury free way for the over 50's group to keep fit and it can be done almost anywhere.

So whether you're training for a marathon, trying to lose weight, or just getting into better shape, it's an all around great fitness plan that greatly improves women's health.

Health Benefits Of Walking

• Slims your waist and tones your lower body.
• Reduces risk of heart attacks.
• Reduces high blood pressure.
• It burns calories and helps in weight loss.
• Reduces cholesterol.
• Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Reduces stress and anxiety.
• Strengthens your body.

Getting Started

Start gradually and check the intensity of your workout, can you talk without being short of breath? Evaluate your heart rate by checking your pulse and cool down after each workout. Watch your posture alignment. Stay hydrated and take water with you.

Track Your Progress

Keep track of your progress in a diary. Note the distance and how long it takes. This is good motivation when reviewing where you started and how far you have come.

Electronic Devices
If you prefer, you can purchase devices to use for your progress.

Pedometer
You can usually wear this attached to your waist band or belt. It detects your body motion and counts your footsteps. They are also designed to show you calories burned and distance walked.

High Tech Devices
These are expensive but they do have more features. They track total and current distance. They calculate and display your speed.

Setting Goals

It's important that you know where you want to exercise and set some goals. Plan the time into your day just like any other "appointment." Set goals for each month. As you track your progress you can always adjust them. But make sure the goals are realistic and achievable. Think about other times and places you can walk such as your lunch time, or when running errands, parking further out in the parking lot.

Staying Motivated

Have fun, set your goals and enjoy yourself. Get a buddy to go with you, it's always more fun with someone else. Plan different places to go to keep from getting bored.

If you have to miss a day, don't give up! Start again tomorrow and keep on going!

Prefer Being an In-Home Walker?

In-home walking is very popular and easy to do, and the only requirements are good supportive shoes. You can do it on your own, or you can use a DVD or video.

This is a great back up to those bad "weather" days, or if you prefer the safety of your own home, it's a great workout.

Or better yet... get a good treadmill. These are great for working out and if you like to jog it gives you that option as well when the weather is bad.

"Achieving A Healthy Lifestyle For Women's Health and Fitness"