Walking Is The Perfect Low Impact Exercise
If you need to exercise, for example after delivery and are looking for something easy so you can do it every day, give walking a try.
Walking is the most convenient and accessible form of exercise for most people. It can be done anytime and anywhere, even when you’re running errands or commuting to work. Walking invariably takes less time than other exercises like training for a marathon or going to the gym.
Walking is a great exercise for new mothers. It helps with weight loss and creates a healthier emotional state for you as a mom. Exercise is always important, but it’s even more important when you have a new baby because it helps with mood and anxiety levels.
If you’re not in the best of shape, start by going for a 10 or 15-minute walk around the neighborhood and work your way up from there. If you’re already in great shape, walking can still provide an effective workout. Walk fast and incorporate some hills and even stairs.
For me, I leave the car at home and walk my kids to and from daycare. It gets both me and the kids out and moving.
But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. If you’re like most of us, chances are you haven’t exercised much since you got out of college and need to start small. Maybe your doctor suggested that you move around more, or maybe you just want to be proactive about your health and well-being. In either case, walking is the perfect way to start.
What you need to start walking
Find a pair of comfortable shoes, put them on, and go for a stroll through your neighborhood.
IF you plan to walk with your baby or child a good stroller and/or carrier is also a good idea to invest in.
The most common way to walk in this situation is to put the baby in a carrier on your chest and then walk around slowly, or to use a stroller while walking outside or on the treadmill inside. Walking also gives moms time they can spend bonding with their baby.
You could also find a local park with a nice path you can walk on. If the weather doesn’t permit walking outside, head to your local mall and walk or hop on a treadmill.
Don’t own a treadmill – not a problem
You can even walk in place at home in front of your TV.
Here’s a simple little idea to get you moving more. As you’re sitting on the couch at night watching TV, get up during commercial breaks and march in place until your favorite TV show comes back on.
If you’re using a service like Netflix, make yourself walk in place for 10 minutes in between episodes.
Or turn on the TV and challenge yourself to march in place during the entire show. Time will fly while you’re having fun watching TV and moving.
Walking can even be a social occassion
Speaking of having fun, going for a walk outside can be a lot of fun too.
Mix up your route and walk in different areas of town, or visit different parks.
Invite a friend to come along with you to walk. It’s always nice to have someone to talk to and having a walking buddy keeps you accountable.
Last but not least, grab your phone or MP3 player and listen to music or audiobooks as you walk to make the time go by faster. And today you can even listen to podcasts on a variety of subjects. Just search Spotify for podcasts. They have a lot of them.
In the end..
The main thing is that you get out there, move around, and get some exercise in a way that’s gentle on your joints, your heart, and the rest of your body and that’s what walking will do for you. Just give it a try and see if you don’t start to feel better, happier, and stronger after a few weeks of regular walks.
Next week: Can a simple walk make you healthier?