Learn the Best Way to walk as you Age

Walking is a great way to stay young as you age. It’s a great free activity that doesn’t stress your body very much. It’s also easy to do and helps you stay physically and mentally healthy. Medical professionals all recommend walking to lose weight, as well as to maintain a healthy weight, to reduce high blood pressure, to ward off diabetes, and to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Making time to go for a walk every day, or at least every few days, will have you feeling and looking much healthier. If you haven’t gone for a walk for a while, why not thrown on your trainers and find a beautiful nature trail, or even a mall that opens early in the morning, and get moving?

Keep in-mind, walking is much easier on your body than tennis or shuffleboard or bowling. There are however, a few things that you could do to walk much safer.

Take your Time & Train your Body

As your body ages, it needs a little time to get into the rhythm of walking, that’s why it’s critical to begin slowly and work up to a more rigorous pace as your body gets more used to it. Keep in-mind that your body, not your mind, will tell you when to speed up.

A great way to get your body ready for longer walks is by going for short walks every day. If you ever feel pain, shortness of breath, or any other pains, STOP WALKING IMMEDIATELY and consult your doctor.

Step with your Heel First

Although walking seems simple, it’s easy to develop bad habits. Putting your heel down on the ground first, following by rolling your foot forward will help relieve stress on your legs and prevent injuries. You should push from your toes to begin your next step. Moving your feet forward in the proper way works all your muscles as they want to be worked.

Short Steps are Great Steps

Taking short steps means that you are taking more steps as you are walking, which is good both for reducing the risk of injury and getting exercise. It is recommended that you take 10,000 steps a day, and by taking shorter steps you can reach this number, without as much stress on your body.

Keep your Back Straight!

No matter whether you’re walking on the street, dirt, wood floor, or whatever material, make sure that you are keeping your back nice and straight. To help facilitate this, keep your head up, shoulders forward and body relaxed.

If you have any concerns or would like some help living more comfortably at home or booking an in home visit, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-866-982-2737 and speak with some about setting up an at home care assessment today.