by Maureen Hoffmann, WABI Burien President

Small steps. That’s all it takes to start a walking program toward greater health and a sense of well-being. For just the cost of comfortable walking shoes and a little time, you can go for a walk, get the kinks out, clear the cobwebs, change your outlook and have a body that feels and functions better.

You can start out “low and slow” with fewer steps and an easier pace, then build up to the recommended 10,000 steps a day. (The average American walks 3,000 – 4,000 steps a day according to FitnessMagazine.com) As you integrate more walking into your daily routine, you’ll begin to look forward to your striding time. Your heart rate will pick up; you’ll breathe deeply and you’ll feel greater ease. You’ll be convinced that stepping out for a walk is one of the best things you do for yourself, (and you’ll be right).

Not only will your body feel better overall, but your brain will be healthier, too! As we face the diseases that too often accompany aging, a walking program may be the best prescription of all.

To pick up some tips on ways to include more walking in your daily life … read more.

This article first published at www.wabiburien.org on January 4, 2013