Dawson Homebody: walking to better health

Walking is a great low impact exercise that enhances our overall health and well-being. It gets us outside and make us feel alive. Walking is a great way to cope with stress and anxiety at this difficult time. It also helps us to improve our cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, body composition and lowers our risk for heart attacks, strokes, obesity, diabetes and numerous other illnesses

A few Motivation Tips include:

• Set goals. Start slow and build up. Aim to walk 30 minutes every day.
• Listen to music or pod casts as you walk.
• Walk with a friend or family member. Ensure that you keep your social distance.
• Dress according to the weather. Dress in layers so that you can add or remove your clothes as you build up heat. Wear a hat or gloves, if need be.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Shoes with good heel support and cushioning are ideal.
• Choose scenic routes. Walk through a local park or by the water. Have some mindful moments along the way. Stop and look around. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you feel? What do you smell?  This puts you in the moment.
• Use a Tracking Device. Use a Fit Bit/Pedometer to monitor your progress. The Strava app is a free app that logs your data.
• Increase Intensity. Increase the duration and frequency of your walks as you get fitter. Add 1 minute jogs every 5 minute, walk faster and then slower or include some hills along your route.
• Just do it! Take the first step.