Make the Most of Your Walk
Even when engaging in physical activity like a walk, experts offer tips to help avoid injury and to make it more enjoyable. The first thing they say is to make sure you are wearing the right footwear. A walking shoe should have good heel-to-toe flexibility and fit well. Too tight shoes can cause blisters and corns and too loose shoes do not provide the proper support. The shoe should have the space to wiggle your toes but keep your foot supported and stable. Experts recommend shopping for shoes later in the day when your feet are already slightly swollen to ensure you get the right size.
Maintaining good posture is important to your comfort and well-being, and helps you to not only walk faster but avoid injury. Try to keep your spine upright with shoulders back, down and relaxed; eyes looking forward and arms swinging freely. Walking around staring at your phone’s screen isn’t conducive to good posture and can also lead to an accident. Pedestrian injuries associated with phone use have more than doubled since 2004.
To help you stay interested in walking, try varying your route. If possible, get out into nature as studies show it can lift your spirits. Owning a dog is also good for people as studies indicate pet owners who regularly walk their dogs typically get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly (the minimum recommended amount of exercise for adults). Lastly, remember to dress for the weather. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect from the sun, and bring along raingear if the weather indicates. Dressing in layers is useful as you may heat up while you walk.
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Source: webmd.com