I’ve realized that when trying to get into shape, we tend to push ourselves toward the hardest fitness goals first. For example: “I’m going to go to the gym six days a week”, or “I’m going to run 5 miles a day”. And it’s so unrealistic with our busy schedules, tons of homework and lack of prior experience (you haven’t been to the gym since high school, now all of a sudden you think you’re going to go six days a week?)
It’s important to set goals, but it’s also important to be realistic so that you can actually ACHIEVE those goals.
Recently, I’ve started looking into incorporating walks into my everyday life and the benefits I found were awesome. You may not catch me outside going for a run, but you’ll definitely be seeing me going for walks.
- Less Wear and Tear
Although running is good for your heart rate and your body; after a while, it can definitely lead to a lot of wear and tear. Many runners experience problems with their knees or injuries in their ankles. Walking doesn’t require as much strain on your body!
- Less Intimidating
Nothing would intimidate me more than heading outside and knowing I’m about to run a mile, sometimes to the point where I decide just not to do it. Ever since I’ve started walking though, I can walk 3 miles with no problem. I actually look forward to it!
- Meditative
Walking is extremely calming and meditative. I walk early in the morning and it’s an amazing way to start off my day. While walking, it’s easy to just set your thoughts free.
- Same benefits of running.
Rather you know it or not, walking has just as many of the benefits of running. While running you may finish 3 miles quicker and your heart rate will get up and stay up much longer, but with walking, you finish the 3 miles SLOWER which means that you’re working out longer. Your heart rate may not get up and stay up as long, but trust me, it will get up after a couple of miles. Also, you will see the same kind of weight loss in walking just as with running! If you’re pushing yourself and walking consistently, you will get in better shape. It may not feel like a workout but it definitely is!