Walking For Fitness - Getting Started

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First things first: Many exercise programs say you should talk to your doctor before starting. Certain people with certain medical conditions may want to check with their doctors before becoming physically active, but most people can start out putting one foot in front of the other and without problems. Even those recovering from heart attacks are encouraged to walk treadmills in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Comfortable shoes: Only one thing is worth investing in when it comes to walking, and that's a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Even athletic shoes that are more than 6 months old may not have enough cushioning to support you. You may choose either athletic shoes for sidewalks and roads or light hiking shoes (rugged walking shoes) if you venture out on trails.

Select shoes especially designed for walking, and they will be labeled as such. Running shoes are a second choice. Cross training shoes are a third best choice. You want a shoe that bends easily through the ball of the foot but remains fairly firm. A low heel works best, which is why a running shoe with thick cushioning in the heel is not the best choice. Avoid high tops unless they are specifically designed as walking or hiking styles.

Warm up: Spend 30 seconds each on 5 simple warm-up moves:

• Ankle circles: Stand on one foot and lift the other off the ground. Slowly flex that raised ankle through its full range of motion, making circles with the toes. Do 6-8 in each direction. Switch feet and repeat.
• Leg swings: Stand on one leg and swing the other loosely from the hip, front to back, in a relaxed, unforced motion. Your foot should swing no higher than a foot or so off the ground. Do 15-20 swings on each leg.
• Pelvic loops: Place your hands on your hips with your knees gently bent and feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your body upright and make 10 slow circles with your hips, pushing them gently forward, left, back, and right. Reverse directions and repeat.
• Arm circles: Hold both arms straight out from your sides, palms down, making yourself into the letter T. Make 10-12 slow backward circles with your hands, starting small and finishing with large circles using your entire arm. Shake your arms out and repeat with 10-12 forward circles.
• Hula-hoop jumps: Hop in place on both feet. Keep your head and shoulders facing forward. Twist your feet and lower body left, then right, back and forth with each of 20 hops.

Observe basic safety while walking outside. Watch for traffic all around you. Always walk on sidewalks or on the left side of the street facing traffic if there is no sidewalk. Carry an ID and a cell phone or change for a pay phone. Use caution if wearing headphones (maybe use just one earpiece). Make yourself visible in low-light situations by wearing reflective gear. Vests with 3M Scotchlite are especially visible.