How are you keeping up with your New Year Resolutions? If exercise was the item you hoped to incorporate more of into your schedule and are finding it difficult to keep up, try simply walking. As we have had great winter weather so far here in Chicago, I hope you have been able to take advantage of it. Chicago was named one of the best walking cities in the U.S. by the APMA and Prevention Magazine.
By walking an extra 2000 steps a day, which equals about 1 mile and 100 calories, you can lose about 10 pounds a year! Ideally, one should walk on average 10,000 steps a day. Did you ask for a Pedometer for the Holidays?
While walking, keep these tips in mind for preventing foot problems.
- Buy walking shoes. They have stability and support. Not all shoes are the same and we are lucky enough to be living in a time where shoes are made sport specific.
- Start walking on flat surfaces and build up to walking up hills or stairs.
- Walk short distances at first, and then increase the distance the following week.
- Start with a nice easy pace and gradually increase. This gives your feet and ankles time to adjust to the new walking schedule.
- Tracks and trails are a great starting point since they are softer surfaces which allows for less impact.
- If walking on a treadmill, still follow the flat surface at a slow pace rule. Gradually increase speed and incline once comfortable.
- Never push through the pain. Feet are not supposed to hurt.
No comments:
Post a Comment