Are you happy with your body?

Regular exercise is very important to our sense of well-being, and in this time of economic crisis, it is absolutely essential. Right now, I am really encouraging everyone in my family and friends to take positive steps to keep their bodies fit and strong by doing whatever form of exercise best suits them.

My preferred choice of exercise is a good old-fashioned brisk walk. Interestingly, walking and running are the two most popular forms of exercise, and both are very good ways to keep fit for very little investment. All you really need is a good pair of running or walking shoes. Some people like running or jogging to burn more calories, but I prefer walking because it offers numerous benefits and I still get to take in the sights along the way.

In many ways, walking is a perfect form of fitness training because it is low-impact and gentler on the body than running. However, don't think that just because it's slower that it's less beneficial. Walking can help us manage our weight, lower blood pressure, lower bad LDL cholesterol, raise the good HDL, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and even boost our moods. Now that's quite a lot of advantages for an activity as simple as taking a long walk on a regular basis.

That said, while walking is an easy activity, it is important to follow a few simple rules that will protect your health and help you gain the highest benefit. First, choose comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the weather you will be walking in. If you will be walking at night, be sure to wear bright clothing or consider a reflective vest or reflective tape to make you more visible to drivers.

Before starting out on a walk, do some leg stretches to warm up your muscles, and start out easy if you are new to walking. Going on a long trek when you haven't built up the stamina could result in soreness that will deter your taking on a walking routine. In the beginning, start with ten-minute walks and build up your time to 30 minutes or an hour three or more times a week.

When things interfere with your walking, as they sometimes do, it is important to pick up where you left off and get right back into your walking regime. Otherwise you could lose your momentum and drop off in your exercise. And it may not hurt to walk with a friend or vary your routes to keep things interesting. Just be sure to let someone know which route you are taking when you are walking alone.

If you are not already enjoying the benefits of walking, I hope you will consider giving it a try. All you have to do is take those first steps, and you'll be on a journey to better health and fitness.

Have a great weekend!