by Rosemari Trites

Created on: January 19, 2009

Think of a sport or form of exercise that is highly doctor recommended, requires very little equipment or clothing that you would not already own, and absolutely no training or learning curve because you have been doing it most of your life. Let us not forget that it is free. That's right walking can be a fantastic cardiovascular activity allowing you to tone up legs, butt and thighs, dropping stubborn pounds and increasing your vitality and endurance for other activities.

It also has many other benefits. For instance, if you choose to walk outdoors, you can begin to explore new parks, neighborhoods and natural areas that you may have driven past, but never had the time to really take a good look and enjoy. For example, my walking partner and I chose to explore different nature trails in and around our metropolitan area. Since she was new to the area and I grew up here, I had a great time showing her all my favorite spots. She helped me see them all with a new perspective.

In most cities and towns, people are now getting together and forming walking clubs where you have the opportunity to go outside for a good healthy walk, and the benefit of a social activity. On top of this, many larger shopping centers have walking groups that allow those who live in a more inclement geography to enjoy the health and social benefits of walking with a roof over your head.

Doctors have long been extolling the many physical benefits of exercising, but only in the last decade or so have the psychological benefits been brought to light. Did you know that exercising can release feel-good endorphins into your bloodstream? It's true! Exercise can increase the amount of nor epinephrine and serotonin. These are the neurotransmitters that make happiness happen. The endorphins that are also released have been found by scientists to be responsible for a decrease in pain, and an increase in overall feelings of well-being. Who doesn't want to be happier? That is a good reason to lace up your sneakers!

So far, we know that walking can better your mood, help you lose weight, get you in touch with nature and perhaps even increase your social activity. But, are you doing it correctly? Just taking a stroll will not get your blood pumping fast enough to produce the above benefits. You have to work at it a bit. Exercise experts say a good gauge to determine your activity level is your breathing. You should be able to carry on a conversation. You're not breathless, but it should be a little difficult to put more than a handful of words together.

Once you have the motivation to get or keep a fit body, choose walking as your main activity. Once you begin to see how easy it is to incorporate into your everyday life, you will be a walking advocate. It won't cost you anything and you have so much to gain!

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