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A walk in the right direction: a daily walking regimen is one of the simplest ways to get fit and stay healthy. It can help you get on the path to preventing heart attacks and strokes, lowering your cancer risk and controlling blood sugar—essential for people with diabetes - Special section: diabetes
Ebony, March, 2004
WALKING TIPS
* Before beginning a walking regimen, check with your doctor for direction. When you begin a walking program, be sure to wear shoes with appropriate support and cushioning. Also, be sure to check your feet for any small cuts or red areas.
* As you walk, be sure to stand up straight, not hunched over.
* As you are moving, look down at your feet occasionally. Your toes should be pointing in the direction that you want to go.
* To make sure you are walking properly, check your form. If you let your feet turn out (or in), you a re wasting the power of your legs in side-to-side swaying, instead of forward motion.
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* As you are walking, lift one foot and place the heel on the ground in front of you. Feel the ground as your heel meets it. Slowly roll forward onto the ball of your foot. Spread your toes slightly and feel them work as your weight rolls onto them.
* Take a few steps going backwards. The different direction helps you feel the motion through your toes, ball of the foot, arch and heel.
* As you walk, let your arms bend and swing. (You burn more calories using more body parts.)
WALKING CAN
* Lower your blood sugar, blood pressure and your cholesterol.
* Increase your circulation
* Build stronger bones
* Re-energize your mind
* Relieve stresses and boost your memory
* Help you eliminate unwanted inches and pounds.
* Help your body produce its own "feel good" chemicals called endorphins.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
