Copyright (c) 2007 Jess Harley
As a woman, I can tell you that we lead hectic lives. Some of us hold down a full time job that might often go past the traditional hours of 9-5. In fact I know some women who work 12 hours or more a day. Some of us are raising a family which can be just as challenging. More and more of us however is doing both. With our careers and families being so high on our priority list, it is not surprising that many women put themselves and their health down low on their list of priorities. Many a times it has been said, and you yourself might be guilty of saying this also, "I just simply do not have the time to get to a gym or commit to an exercise program". It has never been more important for us to start taking the time to get our bodies moving. While for some of us, there is a partial truth to that statement that there is not enough time in the day to commit to a gym. Our schedules might not work with the gyms schedule or we may not have sitters for our children, but to say we have not time to commit to some sort of exercise is us just being lazy. There is one thing we can do that is not only free but it is also convenient and it is something we can do with the kids if need be or even on our lunch breaks. We can walk.
For years doctors have been harping to us the benefits of walking and what it can do not only for weight management but also for our overall health. You do not have to walk a marathon; in fact some doctors say that walking 30 minutes 3-4 times a week will allow us to take advantage of all the benefits walking as to offer. Amount them is controlling your blood pressure. Any sort of physical activity is going to strengthen your heart so that it can pump more blood with less effort. Walking is no different. In fact some doctors believe that walking can be just as good as some blood pressure medications in keeping your blood pressure down.
Walking can also reduce your risk of breast cancer, stroke and even more so heart attack. In fact it has been shown that women who walk three hours a week could be reducing their chance of a heart attack by nearly 40% and women who walk more than five hours a week could be cutting their chance of a heart attack in nearly half. You do not even need to walk fast to take advantage of this. A walking speed of anywhere from 3.5 to 5 miles an hour is all it takes. That is walking 1 mile in about 15 minutes, which is a nice steady pace, but not to challenging if you are just starting out.
If you have never done a walking program, it is never to late to start, but you should start off slowly. Walk for 10 minutes everyday for a week. You could walk to your mailbox, or walk around the block whatever it is walk for 10 minutes and then each week add five more minutes. Hold your head high and walk talk. Make sure you take plenty of water with you and keep yourself hydrated on your walk. It will help you last longer. There is no reason in the world why you can not take a walk, unless of course it is bad weather. If you have a demanding job, instead of leaving to go out and grab some fast food, bag a lunch and eat and then walk around your building. Most employees get 2 15 minute breaks a day and you can use those breaks to walk. Not only will you be getting healthy but walking is a great way to clear your head.
If you are raising a family, make walking a family routine. If you children are young enough put them in a stroller and walk around your neighbor hood. On weekends make it a family routine to go for a nice walk. You shouldn't let weather stop you. There are countless walking DVD's on the market today also that will give you an effective walking workout right in the comforts of your own home.
So they next time you hear yourself saying "I just don't have the time to commit.." stop yourself and realize that you do have the time and with all the benefits walking has to offer, you should make it a priority to make the time.
Related Articles
Winning the Battle Against Obesity
By: Hamza Davis | 13/06/2007 | Fitness
While global obesity still remains a resolute problem, a major health concern in America is winning the battle against obesity. For an increasing amount of Americans today, obesity is the number one health problem.
Just a Walk: the Secret of Youth
By: Lindsay Lent | 19/06/2008 | Wellness
We all know the secret of youth: eat well, smile and just a walk!
What to Do When Working Out Becomes a Bore?
By: Jess Harley | 07/12/2007 | Fitness
Does this sound familiar to you? You join a gym or start a new exercise routine and spend a few weeks or maybe even months following it religiously. Then, slowly something starts
Top Secrets for Healthy and Beautiful Life
By: Steve Gink | 07/03/2006 | Health
There are some effective tips to keep your body in a good mood both in terms of health and beauty. The following techniques are some examples of doing so easily.
7 Calorie Burning Tips
By: Marjorie Nolan, Ms, Rd, Cpt | 26/07/2006 | Weight Loss
These are just a few habits you can embrace to start revving your metabolism right away. You may have heard stories about people who have lost dozens of pounds simply switching to diet soda or walking a few minutes each day. These are all small habits that contribute to a big difference and increase your metabolism over time. You will make weight loss quicker and easier by increasing your metabolic rate and burning more calories.
Fitting Walking Into Your Day
By: Jonathon Hardcastle | 05/09/2006 | Fitness
Walking is one of the best methods of exercise you can do. It requires no special equipment and has muscular and cardiovascular benefits.
Ways To Keep Fit
By: Kadence Buchanan | 19/10/2006 | Advice
With the high fat content and all the unhealthy ingredients in the American diet, it's important to take steps to ensure that you can keep in shape. In this article, we'll discuss some basic steps that you can take in your life to help you to stay fit.
16 Tips for Getting Maximum Weight Loss and Fitness Results in Minimum Time
By: Rivak | 04/05/2007 | Weight Loss
Somagenesis Health and Fitness is San Diego's number One choice for personal training and nutritional advice. Please, contact us at rivak@somagenesis.com or (760)2713064
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 12-month preferred annual pass for ...
By: questerd | 18-07-2008
What is a 12-month preferred annual pass for Disney World?
Lost with electronic
By: joeczar | 18-07-2008
I received a home theater system,digital audio 2002, model DA 5.1 pro seriesII. no instructions and no electric cord or plug. can anyone give me advise or help?
Is there a free center with professional ...
By: betty | 18-07-2008
is there a free center with professional counseling for abused women in tn. my daughter was emotionaly and physical abused by her husband and turned to prescription drugs. she needs professional help to get back to her old self.
If pork is frozen and set out to thaw, then put in ...
By: ginarae | 18-07-2008
If pork is frozen and set out to thaw, then put in the refrigerator, what is the amount of time you need to cook it in?
Who won the 1986 world cup?
By: fletch6ty9 | 18-07-2008
who won the 1986 world cup?
Help me whats going on my case, i know its shut down, and why .
By: Esther | 18-07-2008
To who may concern, i would like to know why i didn't get a letter telling me why my case was shut down, letter . Please explain this to me. And i do not like the idea how i am treated . Please i rather not sit there for hours , i use to there hours i came in the morning i always left in the evening i do not understand why i have to deal this. Nobody answer the calls and return calls when i leave messages. I have two chidren who see there is no food in my house i am sep. From my husband andhe is no giving nothing to me. Well i need your help .
Thank you
Esther fuchs
Q&A Powered by:
More from Jess Harley
What to Do When Working Out Becomes a Bore?
By: Jess Harley | 07/12/2007 | Fitness
Does this sound familiar to you? You join a gym or start a new exercise routine and spend a few weeks or maybe even months following it religiously. Then, slowly something starts
What Makes a Good Gym?
By: Jess Harley | 06/12/2007 | Fitness
I don't' know about you, but it took me years before I got up the nerve to join a gym. I had seen to many TV shows and read too many books about how the gym was a place to see and
What is the Difference Between Yoga and Pilates?
By: Jess Harley | 05/12/2007 | Health
Let's face it, being a woman is stressful. Most of us have to hold down careers, raise a family, keep a clean house and have dinner on the table by 6pm. Our physical health and fitness
What is an Elliptical Trainer and Should you Use It?
By: Jess Harley | 04/12/2007 | Fitness
Elliptical trainers are among the most popular gym equipment. It is like having two exercise machines in one because it combines the movements of a stair climber with those of the exercise bike to give you an excellent impact free workout. The
What Fitness Can Do for You
By: Jess Harley | 03/12/2007 | Health
The most common reason for exercising is to lose weight and get a thinner body. While this is a great reason to get fit, did you know that there are countless other reasons why you should get fit? We all know that
Should you Use a Personal Trainer?
By: Jess Harley | 01/12/2007 | Fitness
Personal Trainers were a thing for the rich and famous. Nowadays you can get a personal trainer at almost any gym. In fact most gyms and their high pressured sales people will probably try
Pregnancy Fitness- a Routine That Lasts for Nine Months
By: Jess Harley | 01/12/2007 | Health
So the rabbit died as they said in the old days. You got two pink lines on your home pregnancy test and your doctor confirmed it. You are going to be a mommy! Congratulations
Women Fitness Fashion- What Should you Wear
By: Jess Harley | 16/11/2007 | Fitness
If the only time you dance is at weddings, you have no idea what you are missing out on. First of all not only is dancing fun, it is also exercise! Think about your moving your feet, your arms, your twisting away
Health 
