Walking for Healthy Weight

Walking is a great way to manage weight for life. Studies show that fitness, more than fatness, is a strong indicator of longevity and well-being. When you exercise regularly, eat properly, manage stress, and enjoy the support of friends and family, your weight will find its natural, healthy point. Studies show that taking 12,000 to 15,000 steps per day helps people to achieve and keep healthy weight levels.

• Plan to walk at least four days a week.
• Walk a minimum of 30 consecutive minutes. Work up to one hour if possible. If this is too much to begin with, start with 10 minute increments.
• Increase the intensity of your walk as you become more fit.

Bonus: Toning muscles also increases the muscle mass and raises your metabolism, or the amount of calories you burn at rest!

Information from “The Walking Deck” by Shirley Archer.

Too hot to walk outside? The renovated Decatur Recreation Center has an indoor elevated walking track. It’s free and open during regular operating hours.