Fitness: Walking for Wellness
Overview
Setting an easy daily or weekly goal can motivate you to walk for your health.
Experts recommend at least 2½ hours of moderate to vigorous activity, such as brisk walking, each week. It's fine to walk in shorter periods of time throughout your day and week that add up to the recommended goals.
- Talk with your doctor if you're worried about how brisk walking might affect your health.
- Start with an easy short-term goal. For example, walk for 5 or 10 minutes every day. Or increase your number of steps by 300 to 500 each day.
- Set a longer-term goal after you've made walking a habit.
You may want to set a goal of walking briskly for at least 30 minutes a day. You can try to do this 5 days a week or more.
- Find a walking partner to stay motivated.
This can be a family member, a friend, or a co-worker. Daily dog walks are also a great way to keep up your walking routine.
How can you make a walking program part of your life?
Adding steps to your walking program
You can increase your walking in simple ways. These suggestions can get you started, and you can probably think of more ways.
Walking with others
You can make walking an important part of your life by getting friends and family to join you.
Being safe when you walk
The weather, the time of day, and where you walk can create unsafe conditions. Here are tips to making your walks safer.
- Know your surroundings.
Walk in a well-lighted, safe place. If it's dark, walk with a partner. Wear light-coloured clothing. If you can, buy a vest or jacket that reflects light.
- Carry a cell phone for emergencies.
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks that cushion your feet.
- Pay attention to your walking surface.
Use sidewalks and paths. Be careful not to slip on wet or icy ground.
- If you usually walk outside and the weather is bad, walk indoors instead.
Take comfortable shoes to the mall, and walk several laps inside.
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after you are active.
This is very important when it's hot outdoors and when you do intense exercise. Take a water bottle with you when you walk.
Credits
Current as of: June 5, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: June 5, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.