Walking For Heart Health

February is heart health month and one of the best things you can do to keep your heart healthy is to make sure you get at least 20 minutes of cardio exercise each day. Walking is a gentle workout that gets your heart pumping enough to keep it strong and healthy. Here are some reasons why walking is such a great way to keep your heart healthy and how you can get started today.

If you have any health concerns, you should of course consult your physician before starting any type of exercise program, including walking. Other than that, it is very simple to start walking for heart health. Put on a pair of comfortable shoes and go for a little walk around your neighborhood. How far and how fast you walk will depend on your current fitness level. Dont overdo it. If you havent exercised at all in recent years, start with a short 10-minute walk after dinner or during lunch. After a week or two, increase your walking time to 15 minutes. Before you know it, you will easily be walking 20 to 30 minutes a day.

The key to walking for heart health is consistency. Go out and walk every day or at least almost every day. Obviously the easiest thing is to go walk outside, but sometimes weather just doesnt permit it. Go window-shopping at the mall instead. Many malls are open to walkers even outside of regular business hours. Check the Mall information counter to see when you can walk in the mall. There may even be a regular walking group you could join.

Becoming a member of a local gym is another option. Almost every gym has several treadmills available for you to walk on. You can also mix up your workout by using an elliptical machine or a stationary bike from time to time. As your body grows stronger, you will be able to enjoy some of the other workout equipment as well and may even end up taking a few classes.

If you find yourself enjoying the treadmill walking, consider purchasing one for your home. Its the most convenient way to get your walking workout in at any time. Set it up in front of a window, or even the TV. You can be walking for heart health while watching your favorite TV shows.

Then there are walking workout DVDs. Check the exercise section of your favorite DVD store for walking DVDs. With most of them you will be walking in place in front of your TV while the DVD plays. The instructor walks you through the workout which usually also includes different step moves and an upper body workout.

With all these different walking options, your workout will never get dull or boring. Just get started and then make sure you walk in one form or another for 20 minutes a day. Your heart and the rest of your body will thank you for it.

For more information about walking and how to start walking for weight loss visit http://www.walkingofftheweight.com

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