Those wanting to lose weight, get fit or maintain their fitness levels are urged to keep on walking. This form of exercise boasts countless benefits. Diets may be effective over the short-term, but eating plans need to be coupled with regular cardiac exercise for weight loss and the maintenance of a healthy mass to be sustained.

One of its major selling points is that it can be executed at your convenience and personal pace. Whether you can manage 15 minutes before and after work or an hour during the day, it will ultimately benefit you and add to your fitness regime. Your pace is determined by your age and existing fitness levels. Walking is so effective because it uses most of the large muscle groups in one activity, and this applies regardless of the speed or length of time of your walk, providing these are within your reasonable capabilities. Best of all, it is FREE!

Walking slowly and for shorter periods at first will gradually build your metabolism, allowing you to increase intensity and duration steadily. It is important that you try to go a little faster and further each time so that your body does not lapse into a comfortable state, as no weight loss will occur in this condition. As your metabolism increases, you will also feel the need to do more exercise as you will have more energy. Add to your walking by jogging, going to gym, or swimming a few lengths.

Exercise of this nature releases endorphins and ups the flow of adrenalin through your body. This aids in the general improvement of your mood and attitude towards life. In addition, the activity forces the blood to pump faster and improves general circulation. Cholesterol levels are lowered and bones are strengthened, preventing debilitating diseases like osteoporosis.

Busy corporates and parents often find it difficult to put time aside for a meaningful walk. A schedule usually forces one to reconsider how they use their time, and 15 to 30 minutes may well be spared for a walk. This could be during your lunch break or by waking up 30 minutes earlier. Walking the dogs instead of sitting down for a cup of coffee or glass of wine in the evening is a fantastic alternative as they tend to force you to increase your speed from time to time. Try to walk in situations where you would usually drive or take an easier alternative – e.g. park you car as far away from the entrance to the mall as possible, take the stairs, walk to school / the bus with your children instead of sending them on their way alone, or jump up every time somebody needs a drink or something from another room in the house. These small initiatives all aid in the improvement of your metabolism, creating more of a motivation to take exercise seriously.

By making walking a family outing or activity, you reinforce that fitness can, indeed, be fun and beneficial. This also enables you to share more meaningful time with your children and partner. As the family shares in an activity, communication skills improve and bonds are strengthened. Clearly, then, such a diverse and practical form of exercise presents countless benefits to you and your family in the short- and long term.