Bromley life magazine Has arrived
Click on Bromley life or Croydon life to download a pdf version of the magazine
This is just a perception that is continually reinforced with images of athletic bodies dripping in sweat. Millions have taken up jogging, aerobics, spinning classes, circuits at the gym and a dozen other exercises and millions have given them up. Whether tiredness or boredom, expense or time, factor into giving up, little progress is made in losing weight and getting fit. Let's keep it simple. I imagine you don't perceive walking as a good enough way back to health and fitness? But you would be wrong to dismiss its effectiveness. It tends to be overlooked as an exercise, perhaps because it's a daily activity or does not get the branding that other exercises do. The best thing is you can start at your own front door and do a circuit around the block and back. As you set off relax your shoulders and arms (let them hang by your sides), it's not power walking or speed walking, it is walking in its simplest form.Taking a natural stride the movement of your hips with each step will also you're your shoulders forward and back, this in turn will cause your arms to swing in rhythm, however don't force your arms. Find a pace that you're happy with; not too hurried and not too slow, and keep this steady. You can start with a short 10-minute walk and gradually build up; an ideal walk is 20-30 minutes, longer if you have the time, shorter if you don't. If you miss a day don't feel guilty try harder to go the next day. The World Health Organisation has referred to walking as 'the forgotten art'. Increasing numbers of people throughout the world are now re-discovering for themselves the fitness and weight-loss benefits of regular walking. Walking is easy, safe and inexpensive. It's aerobic, it burns calories, and it's an ideal fat- burning activity. It conditions the heart, improves muscle tone and strength, relieves stress, and can help with back pain, osteoporosis, respiratory problems, diabetes, arthritis, cardiac rehabilitation and a variety of other health problems. Walking is an injury-free way for the over 50's to keep fit, and children are fitter when all the family walks together. Next time you think of jumping in the car to pop to local shops, think again and walk instead.