 Dr. Ernest Levister Jr.
Dear K.F. I'm a great proponent of walking. Not only is it almost equal to jogging in terms of getting your heart pumping, but I think research eventually will show that it's superior in terms of overall health benefits. There are many reasons to prefer walking to just about any other forms of exercise. First of all, everyone knows how to do it and it doesn't require any equipment. Second, you can do it anywhere. Third the risk of injury is far less than for any other kind of aerobic exercise.
With running, the risk of injury is high. Runners who go for endorphin highs often run through warning pain -- then wind up being unable to exercise at all. They also are more likely to be exercise addicts.
Walking can be rejuvenating or meditative and relaxing. Take a morning walk to get the body ready for performing daily activities. Or in the afternoon take a walk to quiet the mind before bed. Take along an I-Pod or device to listen to music or meditative sounds i.e. ocean waves, bird calls, wind, or even "white noise'. The sounds will help you focus on your body movements or allow your mind to get lost. Be careful not to become distracted. Accidents are always lurking whenever you walk.
Walking exercises your brain as well as your body; its cross patterned movement (right arm moves forward with the left leg) generates harmonizing electrical activity in the brain.
Find a pair of good walking shoes with cushioned soles. Experiment -- find out what works for you. Maintain good posture and be sure to swing your arms as you go. Twenty-five to forty-five minutes of walking a day is a good place to start. Do it at least three to four times a week.
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