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Did you know that walking is one of the simplest forms of physical activity? It does not require any special equipment nor does it need high fitness levels to partake in it.
Often underrated, walking has many benefits and has been proven to positively impact people’s health and wellbeing, which is why the Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH) proclaimed March 5 as the “Saudi Walking day” annually. This day is held in efforts to raise awareness about the importance of walking, and to encourage the public to take part in any walking events held to acknowledge the day, motivating them to have a healthier lifestyle.
Walking can positively affect your physical and mental health, as it can help you manage your weight, wards off or manages heart disease, some types of cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Regularly walking can also help strengthen your muscles, bones and immune system while improving your endurance, sleep, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. Walking has also been proven to help manage stress.
If you suffer from any ailments, check with your physician before starting any form of exercise. If you are not currently physically active, it would be a good idea to start slow. Set a goal to walk at least 10-15 minutes per day for at least 5 days a week, and then gradually add ten minutes to your routine to a duration and pace that are achievable.
Mark your walking route and choose a path that you would enjoy walking to, you can always change it up and choose a different route to keep things interesting and to help you stay motivated. You can choose an outdoor location or even an indoor location such as a spacious mall.
Make sure you are wearing the appropriate type of shoes for walking, which should include thick soles that can provide support. Check with your local shoe stores to ensure you have the best support shoe-wise.
Wear appropriate clothing, depending on the weather and breathability of the fabric. Your clothes should allow your comfortable mobility and protect you from nature’s elements. Don’t forget to wear a hat and apply sunscreen if the weather is too hot outside. Always have water with you on hand to stay well-hydrated and to keep you feeling sharp.
Depending on the fitness goals you want to achieve, aim for a brisk walk for at least 20-30 minutes a day, or if you want to walk at a relaxed pace you can increase the duration to 45 minutes to an hour. The important part is that you get started and stay consistent. Using step counting app can also help, as many aim to fit in at least 10,000 steps during their day, this can be counted when you are walking or even going about your day at home or in the office.
It’s human nature to get bored, and so having someone be your walking buddy to hold you accountable and make the walks more enjoyable is always a good idea. Switching up your walking location can also help, and rewarding yourself after achieving the walking goals you set can keep you motivated enough to have walking as a regular part of you day and incorporated indefinitely into your lifestyle.