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Whether you're just starting a walking program or you're already a regular walker, your health likely played a role in your decision to get fit. Maybe you want to lose a few pounds or protect your heart from disease or keep your bones strong and your joints limber.
The thread title is true beyond any doubt, as attested to by the American Heart Association, the American College of Sports Medicine, the U.S. Surgeon General, and many other medical groups. It is also generally accepted by these medical authorities that the greatest health gains come when one moves from being totally sedentary to doing mild physical activity such as walking four or five days per week. There are further health gains when the intensity is ramped up (i.e., going from walking to jogging), but the big jump in benefits comes by just starting some activity at lower levels. Walking has many advantages: No special equipment needed, it is easy on the knees and other joints, no need to go somewhere first (just head out the front door), easy to start by using short distances and relaxed pace at first (then gradually increasing distance and speed). Those who like more structure can walk on a treadmill at the gym - you can note your exact speed which is comfortable and increase it by just one-tenth of a mile-per-hour at a time, thus tracking your progress very precisely. Then eventually you can add intensity by adding a slight incline on the treadmill without the need to get into jogging territory.
The absolute easiest way to ease into exercise is to go to a swimming pool and walk in it. The water provides 12 x the resistance of air and yet it supports your joints. Many PTs have therapy pools with a treadmill in the bottom and cameras to obeserve your motion. Many municipalities and gyms have indoor pools for use year-round.
The absolute easiest way to ease into exercise is to go to a swimming pool and walk in it. The water provides 12 x the resistance of air and yet it supports your joints. Many PTs have therapy pools with a treadmill in the bottom and cameras to obeserve your motion. Many municipalities and gyms have indoor pools for use year-round.
Yes, swimming and water exercise are great, especially for those with joint problems. It may be slightly more inconvenient than walking from home in the sense that one has to go to the pool, change, do the exercise, change again, then drive back home. Well worth the trouble, I agree - not an argument against - just that different people will spring for different things.
The absolute easiest way to ease into exercise is to go to a swimming pool and walk in it. The water provides 12 x the resistance of air and yet it supports your joints. Many PTs have therapy pools with a treadmill in the bottom and cameras to obeserve your motion. Many municipalities and gyms have indoor pools for use year-round.
Totally agree. I did just that to ease into exercise. Now I can walk (outside) and I do every day, usually at the very least a few miles.
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