Benefits of Walking... Week ending October 14, 2006 Week Three

It's the world's easiest form of exercise, it can add years to your life as well as life to your years. It costs very little and it is the one form of exercise you will most likely stick with. Walking can take you places you never imagined existed... please check out your local, state and national parks in your area or other areas of the country you plan to visit. Waterfalls and luxurious surroundings aren't just for places like Jamaica, Hawaii or Africa. Walking conditions your heart and lungs making it easier for your body to process oxygen. Walking helps beat other health issues as well... it is reported that women who walk briskly at a pace of 3-4 m.p.h. at least three hours a week cut their risk of heart attack and stroke by more than half. Walking reduces your risk of some forms of cancer and osteoporosis. It fights the battle of the bulge, reducing fat and adding muscle. Walking can even help with diabetes making it possible for some people to eliminate their need for medication. Walking burns about as many calories as jogging but it doesn't have the same jarring effect on your joints and muscles. Walking is the best stress reliever known to "man", it lessens stress, lightens depression, helps you sleep better and gives you a better mental outlook. Start out slow and like myself you may find yourself climbing mountains... five years ago if you asked me to climb a mountain I'd think you were out of your mind. Now after each mountain we climb I'm looking for one bigger, steeper and rockier. Five years ago I would never think to walk the dogs 2-3 miles 3-5 times a week... Now, I'm ashamed when I only walk them 3, I enjoy it, Jeff enjoys it and the dogs enjoy it the most. The further we walk the further the dogs want to go. We've noticed a marked change in their behavior as well, they listen better and are generally better behaved and less hyper.

This weeks dog walking total is 11 miles giving me a total of 30.9 miles.