Walk your Way to a Healthy Body, Mind & Soul
Walking is an activity that most of us do every day, whether at home or travelling…we need to walk! So why not try to make walking your main form of daily exercise the next time you travel. This simple yet effective activity can keep your energy levels high, your immune system strong, and your stress levels low.
The Most Popular Prescription in the World If a daily fitness walk could be packaged in a pill, it would be one of the most popular prescriptions in the world. Many experts believe that taking 10,000 steps a day (about 8km), measured with a good pedometer, is all that’s necessary to achieve health benefits.
Pedometers Pedometers count the number of steps you take each day; they are discreet, beeper-like gadgets often referred to as the ‘conscience on your hip’. They are an effective and simple way to measure daily activity…or lack of! By tracking your steps, your pedometer can motivate you to make the decision to walk whenever possible to accumulate more. A high quality pedometer costs about $20, and is available online or in most sports stores. More information about pedometers can be found at Pacific Rim Wellness.
Travel Walking Tips • Plan for a continuous 30 minute brisk walk on most days. • If travelling for pleasure, consider joining a walking tour. • Walk the golf course…or part of it. • Opt to take the stairs whenever possible (even if just part way). • Pack some comfortable sneakers and clothing. • If travelling in a hot climate, plan for a brisk walk in the early morning or evening. • If travelling for business, try a ‘walking meeting’ to stir up some energy and clear thinking, or hit the gym and walk while you watch the nightly news or preferred tv show.
[Stay tuned for more Healthy on the Road posts on the first Thursday of every month, written by our resident expert, Leah Munday, owner of OTfit.ca.]
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[photo by LaPrimaDonna]