| If someone told you there was a way to | | | | well-cushioned. Since buying shoes is the only real |
| exercise that doesn't require a pricey gym | | | | monetary investment you need to make for your |
| membership or athletic skill and is actually relaxing, | | | | walking regimen, don't try to cut costs. Buy your |
| what would you say? No doubt, the answer would | | | | shoes for quality, comfort and fit. If you are |
| be "sign me up!" | | | | uncertain about how to choose the shoes that |
| Walking is the singular most popular form of | | | | are best for your body and your walking style |
| exercise in the United States, but may be taken | | | | and stride, go to a shoe store that specializes in |
| for granted since it is an act that many of us do | | | | athletic shoewear and focuses on the fit that you |
| each day without considering it an aerobic activity. | | | | need. |
| However, the results of walking are physically | | | | If you are free of any serious health problems, |
| rewarding and lead to a trimmer body, greater | | | | then your walking routine is ready to hit the road |
| fitness and enhanced general health. | | | | immediately. A checkup is recommended if you |
| One of the wonderful aspects of starting a | | | | are over the age of 60, have a disease, disability |
| walking routine, known as exercise-walking, is that | | | | or are taking medication. A medical exam is also |
| it can be done almost anywhere and at any time, | | | | recommended if you are 35 to 60, substantially |
| regardless of weather. You can walk to the store, | | | | overweight, easily fatigued, an excessive smoker, |
| in a mall, around your neighborhood, with your | | | | or physically inactive. |
| dog, with a group of friends, or on your own. In | | | | Here's a few tips for getting started. Begin by |
| addition, it is a great form of exercise for those | | | | taking 20 minute walks, moving at your own pace |
| who have a long history of inactivity, problems | | | | but brisk enough to make your heart beat faster. |
| with obesity or who simply don't like strenuous | | | | Walk with your head and back straight and |
| activity. | | | | stomach tight, keeping your legs out front and |
| Before you get started on your new walking | | | | knees slightly bent. As you are walking, try to |
| routine, most podiatrists recommend finding | | | | land on the heel of your foot and roll forward to |
| sensible, comfortable walking shoes to ensure | | | | push off on the ball of your foot. Don't forget to |
| proper foot health. Wear thick, absorbent socks | | | | cool down by stretching at the end of each |
| and footwear that is stable from side to side and | | | | session. |