Walking - Being Active As You Age

The fact of life is with age, our bones tend to lose density and our muscles start to weaken. Even though it happens to everyone you do not have to give in to the effects of aging. However, we are not the young athletics who can meet most physical activities they choose. As we age, we slow down and have to make other choices in keeping our body strong and healthy. Such as: walking is a proven method for boosting strength. Walking at a brisk pace can help control, and in some cases reverse, the effects of aging on bones and muscles.

If you are aging or if your aging parents are living (check on your parents to make sure they are staying physically active), it is important that none of us give up being active and exercising. I hope you know that brisk walking gets your heart pumping and sends oxygen through your whole body. It strengthens your heart and the muscle groups responsible for movement. When the body stops moving on a regular basis that is when illness sets in quickly.

When a person takes a brisk walk it helps to burn fat. We can get rid of the stored fat and let the body develop the muscles. So a walking program rewards you with a leaner body and a higher metabolism. It helps in the production of the human growth hormone, which maintains the size and strength of your muscles.

It is low impact so that even a rapid pace rarely causes strain or injury to knees, ankles, back, or hips. Instead, it uses the strength of your bones and joints to stimulate development. It is said when you walk, your legs and feet work against gravity. With the weight of your body it provides an opportunity for the bones and muscles to counteract and become strong.  The body responds to the stress of its own weight by building bone cells and soft tissue.

You have the final say in how fast or slow you go; this gives you control over your exercise program to achieve your goals. No matter how you choose to walk, there are proper walking techniques to get the most out of it and they are listed below. Memorize them and double check your walking techniques as you go step by step. 

• Follow through from heel to toe, pushing off the ball of your foot as you take each new step
• Keep your ankles straight, and try to avoid rotating your foot in or out
• Make your strides long and quick, with your knees bent for shock absorption
• Wear shoes that fit well and are padded for cushion and support
• Warm up before and stretch after your walks to prevent injury or cramps
  
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