Walking can be an easy way to build muscle, improve your bone density and reduce your stress. Better still, walking can be done almost anywhere. If you have to drive to errands, park in the far corner of the lot and walk into the store. Take the time to walk down every aisle with the cart for support if you need it. Take your pets or your grandkids to the park for some play time.

Stress Relief

Walking gets your body into a rhythm. No matter how slow you walk right now, the act of pumping your arms and moving your feet at a steady pace can calm your mind and brighten your outlook. Better yet, walking is a learned habit that you do automatically, so your brain can work on bigger issues and come up with creative solutions while your body is moving through space.

Burn Calories

Weight loss is a big goal for many of us, but for those of us who’ve been on many diets, the goal of losing weight may seem simply unattainable. Stop worrying so much about what to eat and when, and just get moving. Building better health by moving your body through space and focusing on fitness may actually make it easier to make better food choices.

Motivation to Eat Better

Rather than stressing about another diet, use your walking time to consider ways to make better food choices. If you want a sandwich for lunch, what can you pair it with besides fries or chips? Would a handful of grapes work, or could you have an apple for your afternoon snack instead of a candy bar? Improving your physical condition doesn’t have to be about a radical shift. You can improve your well-being by making small changes.

Beat the Odds

If your family history includes scary challenges such as high blood pressure and diabetes, know that you can beat the odds. If you watched beloved family members struggle with the damage caused by these conditions, know that you have options.

Poor Health As We Age is Not a Given

Women often put the needs of their families before their own physical needs and goals. As we age, we pay for this with heart disease, elevated blood pressure and other conditions born of poor food choices and stress. Just when we have time to take care of ourselves first, our physical well-being falls apart.

However, this doesn’t have to be. Treat yourself to a pedometer or just add the app to your phone. Put your phone in your pocket to help you track your steps throughout the day. It’s amazing how many steps a day it can take just to maintain a house. Next, focus on adding just one walk to your routine. Take the dog out, or go around the block when you go out to get the mail. You deserve the time to move and strengthen your body.

Conclusion

Building strength and cardiac longevity doesn’t take a set of weights or an exercise bike. Just lace up your shoes and walk. Park as far from the door as you can. Pack sneakers in the car so you can go out over your lunch break. Enjoy fresh air and movement while you clear your head and let your brain get creative