by Patricia Watson

Created on: November 08, 2009

Don't let winter make you house-bound. If you enjoy walking in the fall and summer, you can learn to enjoy a daily winter outing. Walking is one of the best treats you can give you heart and lungs. You will have to make sure your winter walks are done with safety in mind. Walking is great exercise, but enjoying your winter trek makes it seem less like a work-out.

For maximum enjoyment, you will need to be properly dressed for your walk. Find out what the temperature is and dress accordingly. You don't want to get a chill, or get over-heated. Layering offers the best advantages for comfort. If you get too warm, just peel off a layer and continue on your walk. Your footwear is perhaps the most important part of enjoying your winter walk. Find a boot that fits and is comfortable. Your shoes should have good soles, with lots of traction. The quickest way to stop having fun on a walk is to take a nasty fall on an icy sidewalk.

You should carry some kind of drink with your on your walk. Dehydration is still a very real danger on a long winter walk. A quality thermal cup will prevent water from freezing. If you prefer a warm drink, the thermal insulated cup will keep your drink at a comfortable temperature. Pack a light snack if you plan to be outside for more than an hour. An energy bar or a bag of mixed nuts will give you the added nutrients to prevent a drop in blood sugar. Remember, you may be walking at a slow pace, but your body is still burning calories. Having something in your pocket to nibble on, will give you the strength to walk a little farther.

To make your winter walk even more enjoyable, find a friend to walk with. There is nothing that makes a walk nicer, than some good conversation. If your friends aren't receptive to a winter outing, take the kids along. If you have young children, bundle them up pull them on a sled. Your kids will have a ball, and you will get a double work-out.

Taking a walk through a snowy field is a wonderful way to get the maximum exercise benefit. Pick a sunny, winters day, just after a snowfall. Nothing can match a walk in a winter's wonderland. You will come home feeling refreshed, with a smile on your face.

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