Walking Tips: Do's and Don'ts

Set a goal, make a time commitment and keep track of your progress! Do...See a doctor.  Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program and get a full physical. Let the doctor choose an exercise program that is right for you.

Do...Drink water. Extremely important on hot and humid days, drink before, during and after your walk.

Do...Eat well.  Eating a healthy and balanced diet will help you get the maximum benefits from walking.

Do...Choose a smooth level surface. This will result in less fatigue and fewer injuries.

Don't...Walk right after or before meals. Walking 2 hours after a meal and waiting 20 minutes after your walk to eat should be sufficient.

Don't...Walk on ice or walk during a lightning storm.  Try walking inside the mall on days with bad weather.

Walking: The Best Gear

SHOES Did you know that shoes are the single most important piece of equipment for the walker?  They can be the difference between having a fun, relaxing walk and an uncomfortable, painful one.  It is important to get a good pair of walking shoes with the following characteristics.

• Provide both support and comfort to all parts of the foot

• Have enough toe room so that you can wiggle your toes

• Have firm support at the heel

• Have a flexible cushioned sole in order to aid the walking gait and to absorb shock

• Be made of breathable material, preferably leather, or fabric to allow perspiration to dissipate

• Be lightweight

While there are many shoes at various price ranges designed specifically for walking, a running shoe or tennis shoe will also serve the purpose so long as it is comfortable and has the above characteristics.

CLOTHING

Under normal weather conditions, there is great flexibility in the type of clothes you can wear while walking.  While loose fitting clothing is best, this may also include shorts and a tee shirt or a warm-up suit.

Cold Weather:  Dress warmly wearing layers which trap the heat and allow you to remove layers as you get warmer.  One guideline is to wear one less layer than you would if you were outside in that weather when you weren't walking. Also, approximately 30% of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat!

Brrr:  In really cold weather, cover all extremities to avoid frostbite.  Mittens, thermal underwear and an extra pair of socks are definitely recommended.  (If you have problems with your heart, ask your doctor if it's OK to walk in very cold weather.)

Warm Weather: Wear light clothing but be sure to wear a hat and/or sunscreen to block the sun's rays.

Precipitation: In rain or snow, a waterproof and windproof jacket make a great addition to your walking wardrobe. Many incorporate zip-in liners for colder weather or can be worn alone with vents for warmer weather.

WALKING ACCESSORIES

While there is no need to spend a lot of money on walking gear, there are a number of items that will make your walk easier, safer and more fun.

Pedometers: A pedometer is the perfect way to enhance your walking.  First of all, it's fun to know how many steps you've taken, how far you've walked, or how long you've been walking.  Secondly, a pedometer allows you to keep track of your progress against the goals you have set for yourself.  A pedometer will also show you the steps taken or distance traveled over one or several walks. Other options to track walking activity include  Fitbits and iWatch which can allow you to connect with others for friendly competition.

Reflective Products and Lights: If you are walking in the morning, early evening or night, reflective products are a must.  Your gear can include a reflective vest and reflective bands.  A flashlight or strobe light will also help you to be seen at night.

Join a walking group  Bring your favorite 4 legged friend!

Walking: Lose Weight and Improve Your Health

It's easy!  One of the safest exercises you can do, walking often doesn't require special skills or training like a sport or gym workout might. It doesn't require prior training or conditioning and doesn't involve a great deal of physical exertion in the beginning.  Studies have even shown that due to the design of our body, walking is more natural than sitting, standing or running, and walking is not as stressful to the body as other exercises. Want to get started?  A good pair of walking shoes, comfortable clothing, a pedometer, and you're all set!  Don't forget a bottle of water to stay hydrated!

When Hippocrates said that "walking is man's best medicine", he didn't realize that thousands of years later, new benefits of walking would be discovered daily.  What are some health benefits of walking?

1. Burns almost as many calories as jogging

2. Eases back pains

3. Slims your waist

4. Lowers blood pressure

5. Reduces levels of bad cholesterol

6. Reduces heart attack risk

7. Enhances stamina & energy

8. Lessens anxiety & tension

9. Improves muscle tone

10. Easy on your joints

11. Reduces appetite

12. Increases aerobic capacity

13. Can be done in short bouts

14. Slows down osteoporosis bone loss

15. Can be done when you're traveling

CCFA Take Steps Walk!

DON’T FORGET!  This weekend is the CCFA Take Steps Walk!  This Saturday, June 10th, 2017 is the Royal Oak Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation Walk at Meininger Park!  We encourage all MWLC patients to join the MWLC Talking Team to come out and walk with us this weekend!  It’s a great way help raise awareness about Crohn’s and Colitis, healthy living, and being physically active.

Don’t forget to register for the walk! Visit: Events and join the MWLC Team today!

Something NEW this year….MWLC patients that participate in the June 10th CCFA Walk, will earn a FREE week of our Freedom weight loss services and an MWLC Team Shirt.  And by making an online donation, patients can receive an additional FREE week of our Freedom weight loss services!  Walk registration and/or donations must be made through Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s Team Page.

We hope to see you at the walk this weekend!