The many advantages of walking as a way to take exercise are being recognised by more and more people. It’s a low impact, low injury risk workout that you already know how to do – in fact you do it every day without thinking about it. You don’t need any special equipment and you can do it wherever and whenever it suits you. Walk in the street, in the park, on a treadmill – slot it into your schedule whenever it suits you best. It’s also an exercise which is suited to a wide range of people – that’s probably why it has such a low drop out rate.

If you’re trying to get in shape and shed a few pounds then it’s extremely effective. Watching the amount that you eat and drink is very important of course, but dieting alone is not a highly efficient way to lose weight. Combining an element of exercise with dietary control will get you better results – and faster. Obviously you will burn calories when you exercise, which is great, but regular exercise will also help to raise your metabolic rate – the speed at which you burn calories. This means that even when you’re not exercising – sitting at your computer, watching TV or listening to music for example – you will burn calories more rapidly which will promote further weight loss.

The health benefits which walking is capable of delivering are very impressive. It can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can help to reduce your blood pressure level. It can help to improve your cholesterol levels. It can help to reduce the risk of diabetes. It can even help to lower the risk of contracting certain types of cancer. It will give you more energy and leave you feeling less tired throughout the day. It will help you to sleep better at night. It is effective in fighting anxiety and depression. Recent research in the UK suggests that it might even be effective in fighting off Alzheimer’s disease.

That list of benefits reads like the advertising spiel for the latest miracle cure. It should be all the motivation you need to get started with a walking exercise programme. If you’re eager to get going, the good news is that, as previously mentioned, you don’t need any special equipment. As long as you have a good, comfortable pair of shoes that don’t give you blisters, you’re all set.

If you want to monitor your progress, a pedometer is a useful device. It will monitor your progress and display your results in terms of distance covered, number of steps take or calories burned – whatever is most interesting for you and keeps your motivation up. An mp3 player might be another good investment if you don’t already have one. The mile will pass more quickly if you’re listening to your favourite tunes as you stride along. However, neither of these are strictly necessary to get started. Just make sure your shoes fit well and don’t give you blisters and you’ll be all set.

Before you embark on a walking exercise regime – or any exercise programme for that matter – it’s a good idea to seek your doctor’s opinion, especially if you haven’t exercised for a while or have any medical conditions. Walking is certainly a low impact, low injury risk mode of exercising – but it’s still exercise and a few stretches before you begin – and again when you’re finished – will help to make sure that you avoid any strains or sprains and get the most out of your exercise routine.

Discover how Fitflops exercise shoes can boost the effectiveness of your walking workout. They are specially engineered to increase the amount of work done by the lower body muscles whilst walking. Both women’s and men’s Fitflops are available in a wide range of colors and styles.