Brisk Walking – The best form of Exercise

Walking is the best form of exercise – for both young and old. It is natural, easy and fit for the whole family. It is a powerful therapeutic tool to control tension, high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, back ache etc.

Hippocrates, considered to be the father of modern medicine has said that walking is the best form of medicine. According to World Health Organization (WHO), ‘A walker loses weight, lowers cholesterol, reduces conditions associated with hypertension, and slows ageing, increases strength and flexibility.’

Time and Place to Walk

Morning Walk: Morning time is considered to be the best time to walk as both the mind and body will be fresh after a night’s sleep.

Walk to work: If your residence is near to your place of work, walk to your office. If your office is quite far away, walk to the nearest bus or rail station.

Park the car away: If you are going by car to your office or market, park the car slightly away and then walk.

Use of lift: Avoid using lift to the nearby upper floors; instead use the stair.

Evening Walk: If time permits, have a walk in the evening. It is the best time to ponder over the day’s activities and plan for the next day’s work.

Walk in a group: Get few friends together and walk regularly. This will give a chance to motivate and get some to exchange ideas.

Old Age and Walking

Ageing is a natural process; it can’t be stopped. The old saying ‘Time and tide wait for no man‘is  perfectly apt. But  ageing can be delayed to a certain extent by following the art of living principles and changing the life style.. People should take corrective steps from early childhood itself.

It is told that old age puts more wrinkles on our minds rather than on the faces.

However it is never too late to start.

Advantages of walking

-         burns extra calories and helps  in maintaining body weight

-         improves cardiovascular fitness

-         improves muscle endurance

-         increase HDL  cholesterol

-         reduces psychological stress

-         guards against heart diseases

-         slows  ageing process

-         can help in maintaining blood sugar at the optimum level

-         helps to strengthen muscles  around joints

-         it is the natural way to cope with stress; helps in reducing anxiety and mood swing