It’s that time of year when most people are trying in some way to be healthier than the year before.  Gym memberships soar in January, but sadly most new members fail to keep the momentum going past February.  We often aim a bit high with regards to frequency and intensity of exercise intended going into a new year, which can cause our enthusiasm to fizzle out way too soon.

My advice is to start with walking, an exercise that is not too strenuous and not too complicated to do.  Get into the habit of exercising first – you can always build other forms of exercise into your routine later.

Walking has the following health benefits (to name a few):

1. Reduces stress, anxiety, depression while improving energy and sleep.
2. Improves blood sugar control, improving diabetes.
3. Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.
4. Reduces risk of heart attack and stroke.
5. Strengthens bones and spine.

In my experience the effect of walking on stress levels and general mood is enough reason to get your walking shoes on.  Walking does not require a prescription and has no side effects. Walkers can also rest assured that walking has been found to be just as good for general health as running by this article.