There are two things that walking promotes – good health and a good body. The secret is showing up consistently each week. And setting personal goals over a long period, like one year. Then throw away your scale and just do it – walk.

Why walking does your body good? Well, it’s easy because you can do it consistently. Walking four or five times per week burns almost as many calories as running. The difference between slow running and fast walking is almost identical.  Walking only burns about 10% less calories. With walking you’re more likely to workout the next day and then the next day and so on. This repetitive process is the single most important part of any successful fitness program.

Why is walking good for your health? RedBook’s article – “Why Walking Does Your Body Good” gives compelling health reasons for walking:

“For your heart: Just 30 minutes of walking three or more times a week can lower your blood pressure by five points, recent findings in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health show. Plus, walking several times a week is as effective as vigorous exercise at reducing women’s risk of heart disease, according to the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study.

For your brain: Walking boosts your brain’s production of endorphins, “feel-good” chemicals that help ease stress and fend off the blues. In fact, clinically depressed people reported feeling less tense, tired, angry, and confused after a mere 10-minute walk, according to a Duke University study.

For your complexion: Like all cardiovascular exercise, walking gets your heart pumping and improves circulation — and better blood flow means your skin (the largest organ of the body) receives plenty of the nutrient-rich blood it needs for optimal health.

For your immune system: You can cut your odds of contracting a cold in half by walking for 45 minutes a day, five days a week, according to one study. The reason: Walking supports healthy circulation, which in turn enables blood-borne immune cells to reach and kill viruses and bacteria more quickly.

For your bones. Weight-bearing exercise such as walking helps build bone mass, which can fend off osteoporosis. In one study, women who walked a mile a day had up to seven years more bone in reserve than nonwalking women.”

Good health and a good body all in one. What could be better. Why not join me in a walk tomorrow morning. Get your shoes and music and start small but walk with purpose. Together we can build for a multitude of tomorrows.

MikeZ – “step by step and one day at a time”

Please consult your physician before starting any exercise program. They are your very best resource.