Let’s Get Moving
By Joel Peterson – Level 5 Personal Trainer at Apple Athletic Club
Spring is finally here and summer is on its way! Many people find it difficult to maintain a positive outlook on life through the winter months in east Idaho. Want to ward off depression? Begin by living a healthy life style! I’ll show you how!
I have never seen anything ward off depression like a long, healthy walk in springtime. Breathing fresh air, getting your blood pumping, and simply taking in the smells of spring add a bounce to my step. Want to get happier and healthier? Just keep reading.
Brisk Walking
When it comes to weight control, brisk walking is your friend. It is easy, cheap, and it can improve your mood, increase your energy, lower your blood pressure and protect you against diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer.
However, if you really want enjoy those benefits, you need to put some spring in your step. Walk like you’re late for the bus. You should be able to carry on a conversation, but you should also be a little breathless when you talk.
The more brisk walking you can incorporate into your daily activities, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or pacing the length of your office when you’re on the phone, the better. Walking just 2,000 extra steps a day can burn about 100 extra calories without even giving it a second thought. And, walking has even recently been found to slow cognitive decline, both in adults with cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease and in healthy adults.
So this week, find ways in your daily activities to simply walk further and pick up the pace. You can do this! C’mon! Let’s get started on a journey of radiant health.