Get healthy one step at a time

By BLAKE FRENCH, DC

It is said the average gym membership costs anywhere from $500 to $800 a year. If you do not want to spend that type of money but still want to improve your health, then look no further. Let me tell you about an exercise that will help you. And what makes it even better, it is free.

The exercise is walking. Yes, you read it correctly. Walking is one of the most affordable and beneficial exercises for most anyone at any age. It is said that walking 20 to 30 minutes a day will help your overall health. This includes lowering blood sugar and improving heart health and function. Walking will also improve bone strength and decrease pain symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.

We have seen a major increase in sedentary lifestyle now that we are past the pandemic phase. Working conditions have changed for many individuals who are now working from home or those who are no longer working. Delivery services have increased to bring food straight to your door. What we have seen from this type of lifestyle are negative outcomes. Prolonged sitting predicts increased cardiovascular risk, and we see that sedentary lifestyles can have a negative effect on our physical and mental health.

How do we combat this negative lifestyle and take a step in the right direction? We can start by taking a walk each day. Even if it is 5-10 minutes to start out. Work on building your tolerance and keep at a pace comfortable for you to enjoy. Take in the fresh air and surrounding scenery. Remember, it is not always about how we start but how we finish.

If you have questions or concerns about your pain, or want to learn more about how you can improve your daily activity, give us a call at 217.787.8200 and we will do our best to get you back to what you love to do.

Watch Dr. French discuss the benefits of walking during his segment of Lifestyle Matters.