We live in one of the most beautiful regions in the world. We should feel good enough to get outside to enjoy it, and get outside often enough that we feel good. Walking is a healthy, low-impact exercise that requires almost no equipment or cost, and yet provides wonderful benefits for our cardiovascular endurance, muscle tone, and weight management. Walking can be especially helpful for those recovering from, managing, or preventing an injury.

Not yet convinced? Studies have found that walking an extra 2,000 steps a day can significantly decrease your risk of heart attack and heart disease. And that is very manageable for most of us — 2,000 steps a day is about 20 minutes of walking at a moderate pace.  (To read more: Extra Steps Decrease Heart Attack).

Walking more doesn’t have to be stressful or intimidating. In fact, it may be one of the most relaxing changes you make to your daily routine. And to get you started with confidence, the American Chiropractic Association has some tips to help you walk for health:

1. Move your arms freely, in coordination with the opposite leg.

2. Keep your head up! Don’t stoop or look down (that means you – candy crush multi-taskers!)

3. Leave the weights at home. Weights or dumbbells are better utilized as a separate part of your exercise routine.

4. Walk with purpose, at a brisk pace.

To learn more about how walking could benefit your health, or if pain or injury is holding you back from getting outside and enjoying yourself, Absolute Wellness Center in Eugene, OR provides sports medicine, chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and more. We are happy to answer any questions you may have at 541-484-5777.