| ou know February is heart health month? A great | | | | center at your local mall to find out if they allow |
| way to celebrate is to get heart healthy by | | | | this. You might even be able to join a walking |
| making sure you do a minimum of 20 minutes | | | | group and exercise with others doing the same |
| cardio each and every day. Walking is a | | | | thing. |
| low-impact way to work out and get your heart | | | | Of course you can always join your nearest gym. |
| pumping, keeping it strong and healthy. Here are | | | | It is normal for any gym to have one or a few |
| some reasons why walking is so great for you | | | | treadmills for walking or jogging on. At a gym you |
| and ideas on how you can get started walking | | | | can also combine your walking with other activities |
| right away. | | | | such as a stationary bike or step machine. As you |
| You should always contact your doctor before | | | | become stronger and have more endurance you |
| starting any kind of exercise program, even if it is | | | | may even find yourself using many of the other |
| walking. Other than checking with your doctor it is | | | | machines and even taking some exercise classes. |
| very easy to start yourself on a walking for | | | | If you find you're spending most of your time at |
| exercise routine. How far you go on your walk | | | | the gym treadmill and really like it you may want |
| and how quickly you walk will be determined by | | | | to think about buying one for your home. This |
| your current fitness level. You'll want to make | | | | way you can work out more easily and on a |
| sure you don't push yourself and overdo it. If you | | | | schedule that will likely work better for you. |
| are not currently at a high level of fitness and it's | | | | People will often set up their treadmills in front of |
| been a few years since you've exercised then it's | | | | a window or a TV. By doing this you are able to |
| best to start with a 10-minute walk during dinner | | | | get healthier without missing your favorite TV |
| or lunch each day. After a week or two, increase | | | | show. |
| your walking time to 15 minutes. Before you | | | | Then there are walking workout DVDs. Check the |
| know it, you will easily be walking 20 to 30 | | | | exercise section of your favorite DVD store for |
| minutes a day. | | | | walking DVDs. With most of them you will be |
| It is very important when walking to improve | | | | walking in place in front of your TV while the |
| your health that you stay consistent. Keep on | | | | DVD plays. The instructor walks you through the |
| schedule and walk every day or at the very least | | | | workout which usually also includes different step |
| just about every day. It's easiest to go for a | | | | moves and an upper body workout. |
| walk outdoors but sometimes that just isn't | | | | With all these different walking options, your |
| practical. Going to a mall and walking around | | | | workout will never get dull or boring. Just get |
| before it opens or even to look around is an idea. | | | | started and then make sure you walk in one |
| Many malls are open to walkers even outside of | | | | form or another for 20 minutes a day. Your heart |
| regular business hours. Go to the information | | | | and the rest of your body will thank you for it. |