Sometimes it’s not enough to talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk.
Walking is a free and easy way to add an extra dose of wellness to your daily routine. With benefits like burning calories, strengthening your heart, easing joint pain, and improving your mood, adding a brisk walk to your day is a great way to help you lead a healthier life.
Set Goals
Start with a simple goal, like taking a walk during your lunch break. Experts recommend aiming for 30 minutes of exercise each day, but it’s okay to start slow! Try adding a five minute walk to your daily routine, and slowly increase the time each week. If you’re not able to work in a full 30 minutes into your day, try breaking up the time into pieces – shorter, combined sessions of activity are still good for your health.
Stay Safe
Make sure you wear sturdy shoes with good heel and arch support, and wear sunscreen and sunglasses if you go for a walk during the day. If you opt for an evening stroll, wear bright colors or reflective tape so you’ll remain visible as it gets darker. Make sure you warm up, stretch afterward, and drink plenty of water.
Get Outdoors
Boost your mood by taking a break outdoors! Soak up the sun and breathe in fresh air – both much needed after a winter in Minnesota. Spending time outdoors helps you get a dose of Vitamin D, something many Minnesotans are lacking after a long, cold winter. Vitamin D helps beat the winter blues, and keeps your immune system, blood cells, and bones healthy.
Take a stroll outside on our new walking path, Prairie Trail, which can be found on our Glencoe campus.
