| An excellent stress reducer can be something as | | | | serious athlete can get a good workout. |
| simple as walking or doing any form of physical | | | | The key to healthy walking is to walk tall and |
| activity. Physical activity has the ability to calm | | | | keep your eyes forward. Hold your shoulders |
| jangled nerves and improve bad moods. It can | | | | back and don't slouch. Maintain a natural stride and |
| have a calming effect, enhance self-esteem and | | | | focus on quicker, not longer strides. |
| even combat depression. | | | | When you start walking your body begins to |
| Stress reducer physical activities trigger the | | | | release endorphins and energy producing chemicals |
| release of endorphins which are potent brain | | | | to help fuel your walk. Your heart begins to speed |
| chemicals that relieve pain and stimulate relaxation. | | | | up, boosting the blood flow and warming your |
| The higher the level of endorphins, the greater | | | | muscles. Your joints begin to release lubricating |
| your sense of calm and well being. | | | | fluid to help you move more easily. |
| Some research shows that a brisk 20 to 30 | | | | As you continue to walk your body temperature |
| minute walk can have the same calming effect of | | | | keeps rising, you start to perspire and you begin |
| a mild tranquilizer. Overall walking as exercise will | | | | to burn calories. You feel invigorated and start to |
| just make you feel good. | | | | relax and feel your body release tension. |
| The key to walking is to use your mind in a | | | | Whether you meditate while you walk or just pay |
| positive way while you are in motion. During a 16 | | | | attention to counting the number of steps and |
| week study, people who meditated while they | | | | visualizing each number in your mind, the benefits |
| walked reported a decrease in their anxiety level | | | | soon become evident. |
| and a more positive feeling about themselves. | | | | You may be surprised at how quickly walking or |
| A walking exercise program can also be a | | | | physical activity can make you feel better, be a |
| fantastic workout to help you tone up, lose | | | | good stress reducer and become a habit you |
| weight and get into shape. You can even start a | | | | enjoy. |
| treadmill walking workout if you want to stay | | | | Copyright © 2005 Treadmill All Rights |
| indoors or like to use the gym. The best thing | | | | Reserved. |
| about walking is that anyone from a novice to a | | | | |