Walk Your Way to Better Health: One Step at a Time

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I cannot stress enough about the simple exercise of walking. Take a walk if you want to improve your health. Although I offer personal training myself, before you invest in personal training or expensive workout equipment – get up, get outside and take a walk!

To lose weight, I recommend 10,000 steps a day, which is about 5 miles – my tracker tells me so. Nearly every day, whether it’s outside or on the treadmill, I walk and walk and walk. I call it my Walking Meditation – more on that in another blog (it truly is a thing).

Walking boosts overall health. According to the U.S. Physical Activity Study, people who walked five times a week (for 30 minutes) found that they had more energy, confidence, and even felt healthier in comparison to those who did not walk frequently. One step at a time is all it takes to a better lifestyle!

Still on the fence about hitting the pavement? Here are some common complaints about walking.

“It’s boring!”

Walking does not have to be boring! Grab a friend (even if it’s the four-legged type) and go for a walk. Even better is when you can walk in a picturesque setting, whether that is in your neighborhood or even your local park. Walking with a group of people only adds to the fun. Possiblly a little Soul Stepping competition. You will be burning calories before you know it!

“I’m not really breaking a sweat. Is this walking stuff really working?”

Actually, is sitting on your couch really working? Walking is more effective than you might think. Regular walking can help you maintain your weight, and depending upon what you are eating, can also help you lose a few pounds. It can help reduce the visceral fat that gathers around the waistline. Belly fat is easily tackled through walking. You can expect to see awesome results by walking briskly 20 minutes a day.

One foot in front of the other – one step at a time – one day at a time – 5 minutes to 10 minutes – then to 15, 20, and eventually 30.

Every great journey starts with One. Small. Step.

See, you got this!

Walk Off Your Stress… Literally!

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Walking has always been a kind of therapy for me. Along with its many health benefits, the simple practice of walking has always grounded me and brought me back to a sense of peace within. Believe me, over the years I have Soul Stepped a million miles! (It certainly feels that way, at least.)

And being outside with Mother Nature is a healthy practice all on its own.

Regardless of who you are, a regular walking routine can help reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. As a low-impact exercise, it can also reduce depression and stress while improving cardio health and sleep. Walking also improves blood sugar levels – especially beneficial to those who are diabetic or even pre-diabetic.

How, you ask? Moderate to low impact exercises like walking cause your muscles to use more glucose, lowering your blood sugar levels in turn. A truly important step to get your body back on track, physically and mentally.

So, keep regular walking a priority in your life. I promise it will pay off in your improved health for years to come!

And the best part? You already have everything you need – your own two feet. So what are you waiting for? Get Soul Stepping!