Benefits of Walking

This week as part of preparation for the Mayor's Walk we are going to learn about the Benefits of Walking.

Walking has so many great benefits.  Here are just a few:

·         Lowers blood pressure

·         Reduces levels of bad cholesterol

·         Reduces risk of coronary heart disease

·         Reduces the risk of breast and colon cancer

·         Improves muscle tone

·         Slows down osteoporosis bone loss and reduces risk of osteoporosis

·         Burns calories and reduces appetite

·         Increases aerobic capacity

·         Helps maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity

·         Improves blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes

·         Enhances mental well being

·         Enhances stamina and energy

(The benefits are based on research of walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day)

Get out there and start walking.  Here's your weekly assignment to help you get started.

*Always speak with your doctor before starting any new workout routine, physical activity, or diet.

Mayor’s

Walk Preparation

4/20-4/26

MONDAY
Walk 1/2 of a mile	You don’t have to do it all at once.
You can do this!	If you haven’t already registered, register now
Drink plenty of water, you need to hydrate	Eat a healthy snack such as an apple or carrots

Tuesday
Walk for 15 minutes.  You can do this by yourself, with a friend, take an animal for a walk, or however you like.			Today I want you invite a neighbor join you in the Mayor’s Walk
Take it a few minutes at a time if you need to.  You can walk for 5-7 minutes on your break at work.			Don’t forget to hydrate

Wednesday
If you watch tv, today I want you to walk in place during the commercial break			Drink water.
If you don’t watch tv, today I want you to walk in place 4 times for 3 minutes each time			If you haven’t already registered, register now

thursday
Walk for 15 minutes.  If you need to take a break halfway through, that’s alright.			Make sure you have good walking shoes.  Be sure to read yesterday’s blog post to learn more about this.
If you haven’t already registered, register now			Keep motivated by listening to music on your walk.

friday
Take a walk to the nearest park, be sure to go at least 1/2 mile today.			If you haven’t already registered, register now
Add another physical activity to your daily routine, such as push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, or yoga.			Take time to enjoy nature!

Saturday
If you haven’t already registered, register now				Invite an old friend to dinner.
Go for a hike on one of the pathways.  Not sure where to go, check out Weber Pathways or Ogden Trails Network for maps and information on the trails				While you are out on the trails, have a relaxing, healthy picnic.  Drink water to keep hydrated on the trails.
SUNDAY
Take a leisurely 10 minute walk by yourself or with a loved one				Drink plenty of water
Rest and recuperate				Be ready, tomorrow we start being active again. J

 

We will be there with you every step of the way, starting now. If this is your first event, or you have family members you hope to motivate, we want to help. Each week, on this blog, we'll be posting helpful information about how to prepare for the walk. We will also be giving away free tickets for entry fees to sign up to participate.

• Be sure to like the Weber-Morgan Health Department and the Ogden City Council on FaceBook to learn more and for chances to win.
• Share this blog with friends, family and coworkers by clicking on your favorite social media outlet icon below.