Walking for Better Health
An Easy Exercise for Beginners
Walking for better health. It is time to get serious…
My doctor has been telling me for years that I need to exercise and lose a little weight. I know it but I still don’t like it. Well, it is time that I get serious. Now along with my high blood pressure, I have high cholesterol. And I really, really don’t want to take prescription medications to control it. One way to control the bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise the good cholesterol (HDL) naturally is to get up and get moving. Not only will exercise improve your heart health, it will also help to combat obesity and lose weight.
But there are so many exercises out there; which one do I try? Let me remind you that I am somewhat averse to physical activity. I need something that is easy in order for me to actually make it into a routine or habit. And with a house full of teenagers, I don’t exactly have a lot of cash to fork out for expensive equipment or gym memberships.
So what is the best exercise for someone like me who has never really kept a regular exercise routine and really would rather not?
Walking of course!
Walking is probably the easiest form of exercise around and perfect for beginners. And it is super cheap! After doing it for only a month, I can already tell a difference. For the past month, I have been waking up early at least 4-5 days per week to take a brisk walk and the difference in my mood and ability to focus is noticeable. I find that I am energized and ready to greet the day and dive into my work.
While I doubt that I will ever start running to catch up with Joey and his marathon races; I am much happier making improvements to my health by incorporating walking into my daily routine. And it costs nothing to get started! There are an infinite number of reasons to get started on a walking routine. Consider these as you think about starting a walking routine:
- Improve your physical fitness and endurance
- Lowers your stress level and helps to alleviate depression
- Helps you get a better, more restful sleep
- Lowers your risk for Alzheimer’s while improving memory function
- Prevents weight gain or even helps you lose weight while you tone your muscles
- Reduces your risk for chronic diseases including cancer and heart disease
- Improves balance and coordination while strengthening your bones and easing joint pain
- Boosts your immune system and helps to control allergies
The list goes on. But the satisfaction you will feel after getting out and moving should be what encourages you to continue to exercise.
Find ways to stay motivated…
Make it fun by getting other people involved and walking with friends.
Take an outdoor adventure and walk on a trail that you have never been on before.
Walk first thing in the morning. It will get your blood pumping and start your day with a positive mood.
Set small goals and track your distance. Each week, try to go just a little farther or faster.
If you have equipment, keep it front and center to remind you daily.
Remember, to reap the full benefits of walking, you have to make it a habit. Keep going farther, faster, and frequently.
Do it for a healthier you!
Chattanooga has some of the most inspiring scenery you can imagine. Nestled between the mountains, the Tennessee River runs through the city. There are miles and miles of trails to get out and walk, run, hike, bike, or climb. Some of my favorite spots are listed here. I hope you take some time to enjoy the view.
Rock City Gardens
This is a magical place especially for the kiddos as Fairlyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village are designed to fill with awe and wonder. There are giant ancient rock formations and on a clear day, you can see seven states from Lover’s Leap. Christmas time is truly a special time at the gardens with thousands of lights and decorations.
Walnut Street Walking Bridge
This is one of Tennessee’s oldest bridges. Broken down and dilapidated, the bridge was no longer suitable for traffic and was closed in 1978. Before it could be torn down, a community campaign began to reinvented the bridge into a walking bridge for pedestrians. Re-opened in 1993, the bridge crosses over the Tennessee River connecting Downtown Chattanooga to the Northshore area.
Lookout Mountain
This is the home of the Lookout Mountain Battlefield, Point Park, the Cravens House, Sunset Rock and the Wauhatchie Battlefield where Civil War buffs can revel in the old artifacts and historic monuments on display. Not to mention the more than 30 miles of trails available to explore. But be warned, this is on the side of a mountain, some of these trails are a steep hike up.
The Tennessee Riverpark
The Tennessee Riverpark offers miles of meandering landscaped and lighted trails following along the Tennessee River into Downtown Chattanooga.
Chattanooga Audubon Society
The Chattanooga Audubon Society is a wildlife sanctuary that includes Audubon Acres, Audubon Mountain, McClellan Island and the Mackey Branch Wetlands. They offer educational programs and events and even kayak rentals for paddling South Chickamauga Creek.
Moccasin Bend National Park
Moccasin Bend offers public hiking and ranger-led programs for children and adults, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.
Chester Frost Park
Chester Frost Park has over 200 acres with trails, camp sites, beach and recreation areas along the Tennessee River. Additionally, Hamilton County’s first and oldest cemetery, Jackson Chapel Cemetery is found within the park.
North Chickamauga Greenway
The North Chickamauga Greenway runs from the Tennessee River through Greenway Farm Park. The trail has a spectacular view of an abandoned flooded rock quarry.
South Chickamauga Creek Greenway
The South Chickamauga Creek Greenway runs along the South Chickamauga Creek and connects to the newly completed section of the Tennessee Riverpark. This is a great place to get out and walk, bike or simply watch the nature around you.
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