Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (known as the father of Western medicine) once said, “Walking is man’s best medicine.” What a relatively simple and inexpensive “pill to take” to make such a big impact on maintaining and improving our health.
So what is the most effective “dose” of physical activity like walking? It’s the phrase we often hear when thinking about exercising: “Some is better than none, more is better than some, and too much is hard to get.”
More specifically, the current recommendation for adults is 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity. Moderate means that heart rate increases and breathing is heavier – the exerciser can still talk, but is unable to sing.
There are lots of ways to increase your activity level, but the key is to find something that allows you to do what you enjoy in a way that motivates you to make it a habit – to do it regularly and continue being active for a lifetime.
The benefits of choosing walking to be active are many and it is a very simple and inexpensive form of exercise.
Walking takes little equipment – just comfortable shoes and clothes you can move in. Walking can be done anywhere that is safe: In the neighborhood, in a mall or large store, around the house (outside or inside), around your workplace (outside or inside) or in place – in front of the TV, while on the phone, etc.
Walking can also be done alone for a quiet, thoughtful time. One can walk in private to pound out the stresses of the day. You can also help meet your social needs by walking with others to connect with friends or family. Another way is walking with “man’s best friend”. Data shows 67 percent of dog walkers achieved 150 minutes per week just with the dog walking.
What better time than now to get off the couch or step away from the computer and go for a walk – do it for your health!
