February is almost over – and thank goodness. It was brutal in most parts of the country – and still is. For me, one of the best things about February was my involvement in the Vionic Walkabout Challenge for which I made the commitment to walk for one half hour a day for thirty days. But, just because February is coming to an end that doesn’t mean my commitment to walking and, in the final analysis, my own health and fitness, has to end. I fully intend to keep it up – and I hope you do too. If you haven’t checked out the Vionic Walkabout Challenge, here’s the link to do so. There’s lots of great information on the site so you definitely want to visit. And you also want to keep walking or start walking if you are able to do so.
I’m looking forward to taking my walking program outside instead of relying on my treadmill or my hallways. There are several runners in my neighborhood and, when I’m outside walking I sometimes feel a little like a slacker. Should I step this up and run? Will running increase my fitness levels? Wellness guru Dr. Andrew Weil and Australian Podiatrist Phil Vasyli, founder of Vionic Shoes, sponsors of the Vionic Walkabout Challenge, know that running is very hard on your body, and for those getting into the sport, it has an incidence of injury rate as high as 79%. Hm, good to know.
Dr. Weil and Phil Vasyli recommend walking as opposed to running, as it can be just as effective as a cardiovascular exercise and much gentler on your body.
Here’s why Dr. Weil and Phil Vasyli recommend we walk:
You choose your pace; your feet thank youWhen walking, you stride at whatever pace you choose. Running requires a lot more effort. When you run, you’re actually jumping from one foot to the other and, as you propel yourself forward, that equates to putting 4 times your weight onto one foot with each step.Improve healthWalking can improve physical health by helping you manage your weight, boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, strengthen your heart and much more. It can also improve your mood, ease depression and help maintain mental efficiency.Lessen impact, slim chance of injuryRunning is more intense than walking and while that promotes fitness more quickly it may also incur more injuries. While running traumatizes the body {especially the legs, knees, back and kidneys}, walking is less impact and equally enjoyable.Walking is for everyone with mobility; challenge yourself to keep up intensity!Walking requires no skill or practice. Everyone knows how to do it, and the only equipment you need is a good pair of shoes. Do it outdoors or indoors; it is the safest exercise option of all.
- Goal: you should be able to walk about 3 miles in 45 minutes.
- If after building up to that you still don’t feel the workout, walk faster, do uphill walking (long, gradual hills are best) or carry hand weights (but never ankle weights, which can stress joints and lead to injury)
- Wear proper supportive shoes like the new Vionic Venture Walker
- Good posture is important during walking exercise, and swinging the arms opposite to the movement of the legs makes for a better stride
- Strive to keep it strenuous enough to get conditioning benefits of exercise
So, while the Vionic Walkabout Challenge is coming to an end for me – I began it in early February – I will continue walking. It’s enjoyable. It helps me maintain my weight and sleep better at night. And it’s generally good for me. I’m keeping it going. I hope you will too!
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