Americans today are obsessed with health and exercise. Not all of them exercise regularly, but most are aware of its importance. Most towns of any size boast of swimming pools, health clubs, gymnasiums, exercise salons, racks, bicycle trails, and other facilities for those who want to keep fit. Because walking is inexpensive, open to all ages, and healthful, it has become the exercise of choice for many Americans. One reason for the popularity of walking is that it is inexpensive. Membership in a health club can cost from one hundred to several hundred ollars monthly or quarterly.
These clubs have expenses such as salaries, advertising, equipment, and purchasing or leasing of buildings, so they charge accordingly. Similarly, exercise salons charge up to $1,200 for a three or four month program. Memberships in a swim club can range from seventy-five to hundreds of dollars annually. Even the bicycle enthusiast must spend several hundred dollars for a good, multi-geared bike. In contrast, the walker has to spend very little to enjoy the sport. All that s required is a good pair of walking shoes.
Even the most fashion- conscious consumer can get started for under $100, and with a little shopping, he could find good shoes for half that price or even less. No special clothes are required for the walker. Also, he does not have to pay for the privilege of walking outdoors or in the numerous air conditioned/heated malls that encourage walkers. Another reason for the popularity of this inexpensive sport is that people of all ages can participate. Often elderly people have difficulty getting much exercise.
However, many of them have started walking because they can set their own pace. Perhaps they can walk only one block or maybe even one mile; the only limit is imposed by their own physical conditions. As the weeks go by, they can gradually increase the distances covered. Moreover, they can share this activity with friends. Young parents have also found that a walk with their young children or their teenagers can give them valuable time in which to become closer to each other.
Walking with them can provide an opportunity to share the wonders of nature, discuss the latest love affair, or explain just why a 15-year-old does not need a car. Likewise, by walking together, a busy couple can find time to forget the worries of doctor bills, college tuition costs, or house payments. Of course, any age can find a solitary walk very rewarding. Walking provides a time of reminiscing for the elderly or a time for looking into the future for young people.
It can be a time of renewal and editation for all ages. Perhaps the major reason for the popularity of walking is that it is an excellent way to improve one’s health. One of the first things all cardiologists recommend for a healthy heart is exercise. And most often they recommend a regular walking program. In contrast to jogging, cycling, or strenuous aerobics, walking does not put a severe strain on the heart. Brisk walking increases the heartbeat, which is very beneficial, but not to the extent of these other exercises.
Walking also burns off calories. Walking at three miles per hour will burn off 110 to 250 calories, depending on the walker’s body weight. Most walkers try to work up to at least four miles per hour, which of course burns off more calories. Some doctors not only put their patients on rigid diets but also require them to walk from ten to twenty miles daily. Doctors have found that this routine lowers blood pressure, helps the body eliminate sodium, and often reduces a diabetic’s requirement for insulin.
Because of walking, some diabetic atients have been able to quit insulin completely. In addition, some doctors advocate walking to relieve stress. Certainly this exercise will relax the tight neck muscles of a computer programmer who has hardly moved all day, relax the mind of the teacher who has graded papers for hours, or relax the doctor who has struggled to save a patient’s life. Walking increases a person’s stamina, thereby making him/her less likely to suffer from chronic fatigue and more able to be active.
Obstetricians prescribe egular walks for pregnant women to help them tone their muscles and control their weight. Sleep therapists, too, recommend walking for insomniacs or restless sleepers. Another benefit of this exercise is that deep breathing can be practiced while walking, thus the lungs are strengthened. Certainly, people take to the paths, streets, and malls because walking is inexpensive, it appeals to all ages, and it improves health. It can be a social event or a solitary exercise. Regardless the reasons though, walking is fun and energizing.
