| Walking is the number one activity worldwide. Why is | | | | - is easy on your joints |
| walking so popular? Following are a few reasons why | | | | - reduces your appetite |
| it is so popular: | | | | - increases aerobic activity |
| Walking is easy to do | | | | - slows osteoporosis bone loss |
| There is no trick to walking. It doesn't require special | | | | - can be done anywhere, such as when you're |
| skills, advanced training, or special equipment. What it | | | | traveling |
| does require is a good pair of walking shoes, | | | | Walking is safe |
| comfortable clothing and perhaps a pedometer to | | | | Since walking doesn't require prior training or |
| track your distance. | | | | conditioning, it is probably the safest activity you can |
| Walking is healthy | | | | do for your body. Due to the design of our body, |
| Health benefits associated with walking include: | | | | studies have shown that this is more natural than |
| - burns almost as many calories as jogging | | | | sitting, standing or running. Walking is not as stressful |
| - eases back pain | | | | on the body as running. The shock impact of a |
| - slims your waist | | | | runner's step is 3 to 4 times a person's weight, |
| - lowers your blood pressure | | | | whereas walking is only 1 ½ times. Other |
| - reduces the level of bad cholesterol | | | | sports, such as basketball or tennis, can have a |
| - reduces the risk of a heart attack | | | | shock force of 7 times a person's weight. |
| - enhances stamina and energy | | | | Walking is easier on your body and can be just as |
| - decreases anxiety and tension | | | | beneficial in helping you lose weight as running. |
| - improves muscle tone | | | | |