Walking Your Way back to Health, it doesn't have to be hard.

Exercise doesn't have to involve absolutely killing yourself running hundreds over laps round the track, just taking that spare time when you would be watching the TV or sat in the garden to go walking can prove extremely beneficial to your health. The article below will fill you in with the details. For health and fitness advice, go to http://squidoo.com/health-fitness

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11 Reasons for Walking by Daniel Williams

Frequently, the simple things in life can be surprisingly beneficial. Take a walk, for example. This is a somewhat overlooked activity that can be good for the mind and body. The cost of using up some of your minutes in a 24-hour day is small when compared to the much greater rewards you can reap.
The following are 11 reasons why finding time in your schedule to take a walk a few times a week can make the rest of your week and life more enriching.
1) Enjoy the scenery. After being cooped up indoors all day, seeing some branching trees that have been around for many years and pretty, colorful flowers are a nice change of pace. The monotony of many bland office environments may contribute to staleness of thought and lack of creativity.
2) Breathe fresh air. Some people claim that indoor air can be more hazardous to your health than the great outdoors. Apparently, the air indoors seems to keep on recirculating with the same pollutants. Think of all the toxic cleansers that you stored and used indoors this past month. With inadequate ventilation, you breathe these noxious substances repeatedly. Some have studied this and say there is an increased risk of malignancies for the group who stays home all day contrasted with those who explore other environments.
3) Increased oxygenation to the brain. The activity of just walking can be enough to increase circulation and may even get some vitally needed oxygenation to the brain so you can improve your thinking.
4) Better sleep. With an increase of moderate exercise, some people report that they fall asleep as soon as their head plunks down on the pillow. Also, they enter into the deeper stages of sleep so they feel refreshed upon awaking after a good night of rest.
5) Cardiovascular workout. Exercise can help strengthen the heart muscle so that if it encounters later an insult, it is stronger to bounce back. Although walking is not strenuous, for aging people it still is touted as a good form of exercise.
6) Good for skeletal system. As one ages the risk of osteoporosis increases especially for women. However, as men live longer, this will apply to them as well. Activities that put some stress on the weight bearing bones and joints will help in counteracting the development of osteoporosis. A person who has osteoporosis is more likely to break a bone in an accidental fall. The recovery from such an incident may be much more problematical with those who have osteoporosis.
7) Self-esteem. If you have gained a few pounds from your earlier days, you may start feeling glum about the image you give to the world. Vanity doesn't stop at thirty. You may not like to admit it, but you may have loss that fit and trim look that made you feel good about yourself. That has an impact on your mood and how you interact with others. In addition, those who work into their golden years want to make a good impression when conducting business with the public.
9) Reduces centripetal obesity. The typical apple shaped body type may also be at a higher risk for developing some malignancies. Walking, a form of aerobic exercise, can help in shedding those unsightly and unhealthy pounds. Although a sensible diet is crucial when considering management of obesity, you will do better maintaining your desired weight if you couple a well-balanced diet with regular exercise.
9) Decreased risk of dementia. There is growing evidence that those age groups who are apt to develop dementia may benefit by exercising.
10) Socialize. Walking with someone else gives you an opportunity to socialize and at the same time get the exercise you need. A lively conversation is something many connected people value.
11) No special skills. Walking does not require any special skills or abilities. You don't have to have good eye-hand coordination, speed or agility. Most people have developed their own style since they were about one year old.
If you are not engaged now in a regular exercise program, consider walking on a regular basis. A very small amount of effort and time on your part can have enormous benefits.
About the Author
Author: Daniel Williams has been an online entrepreneur since 1998. He is webmaster of SarasotaFreeAds.com and lives in Sarasota, Florida 34237. You are permitted to reprint this article provided it is done so in its entirety including this signature box and remains unchanged except for formatting.

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