active lives - Why walk is enough

In 2008, Pam Mumper could barely walk up a flight of stairs. She struggled to fit into a stadium seat and weighed 260 pounds. Three and half years later and 75 pounds lighter, she is able to walk four miles consecutively, walk up flights of stairs with ease and share a stadium seat with her daughter.
To Mumper, it all started with the aim to walk a mile through the southern Illinois district. "I could not breathe very well and I get tired so quickly," he says. "It was very physical for me and I could not go very far - but it got easier with time.
What he found comes as welcome news to many people who can not quite afford the cost of a gym membership and have no ambitions to make the cover of Shape. To start a journey for a healthier lifestyle, walking - a sport that does not require expensive equipment or athletic - is sufficient.
                                                                         The Benefits of Walking
When he began his journey on foot, Mumper soon realized that putting one foot before the other resulted in many more benefits than weight loss.

"My health is better. Actually, now I take a lower dose of blood pressure medication that I did three years ago," said Mumper. "It also helps clear my mind and makes me feel like I've accomplished something every day."

According to Dr. Paul Bendheim, neurologist and author of "The Brain Training Revolution," you can not go wrong with walking. "It's easy on the joints, keeps the muscles and connective tissues strong and prepared and packaged cardiorespiratory system." Walking also improves balance and posture, says Bendheim.

Jessica Matthews, professor of physical education and director of certification from the American Council on Exercise, says a regular walking program not only improves health and fitness, but also can improve your mood and your work performance.

"Research has shown that the results for noon on improving mental acuity, better time management and increased employee productivity," says Matthews.

When stress takes over, walking can also serve as a welcome break from the chaos of work and family life, says Carolyn Phillips, certified personal trainer and owner of Fit Behavior, a wellness center in Connecticut.

"A brisk 30 minutes walk can help you calm down and provide a quick pick-you-up" says Phillips. "When the heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to finish your work day with ease.'s Also a great use of time to reflect and plan your day job."

The benefits of physical activity show even with moderate levels of activity.

No matter the distance or time, Bendheim says that the key to improving your health is to take the first step. "Immediately, people begin to feel better with regular exercise," he says. "You have to be a runner or a marathon runner. All you have to do is move .