Hoofing It to Health
One of the keys to better health is to be active. You might bowl, play tennis or softball, even dance or walk!
Walking is the most popular physical recreation in the nation! It requires no more than a good pair of walking shoes and a place to go. It can improve your heart and lungs the same as jogging, burn more calories than tennis, and it strengthens muscles as well as basketball! Follow these walking tips:
- Do walk at a pace that allows you to carry on a conversation or sing a song! Do swing your arms to increase your workout. Bend your elbows 90 degrees and make a loose fist.
- Do relax and take smooth strides as you increase your speed.
- Do replace fluids during and after your walk.
- Don’t drop your chin down as you walk. Keep your head up and your back straight to avoid neck and back strain.
- Don’t use ankle weights. They strain your lower leg muscles.
- Do get out and walk! Park farther from the door. Take the stairs. Try the mall, a treadmill, or an indoor track in bad weather. Keep walking!
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