Walking is considered by many enthusiasts and healthcare professionals to be one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise. Because walking has less impact of force than jogging or running, it is easier on the joints. It has the ability to burn off many calories, especially when hills or trails are added.
With more than 145 million Americans including walking as part of their physically active lifestyle, walking has become part of the national discussion regarding health and fitness, a discussion that often carries recommendations. Still, only 21% to 34% of Americans meet public health recommendations for physical activity (five times per week for at least 30 minutes) by walking.
One aspect of walking that appeals to many enthusiasts is the option of the great outdoors. Whereas gyms are enclosed spaces with artificial lighting and often stale air, the outdoors present an array of options. These can include city streets, city parks, and even trails outside of major urban centers.
The opportunity to walk in the sun is important from a general health perspective as well. Many studies have shown that Vitamin D deficiency (with Vitamin D coming from exposure to the sun) can lead to drops in emotional health, which many believe is a primary contributor to the depression that sinks over many during winter.
Whether you are walking inside on a treadmill, on a city street, or through trails in the wilderness, it is important to pick the right shoe for the job. Carrying an amount of weight on your feet requires between 4.7 and 6.4 times the amount of energy needed to carry the same amount of weight on your back. It’s the experienced hiker’s saying: “a pound of weight on your feet equals five pounds on your back.”
There are many options when choosing the shoes that are right for you. They include lightweight hiking boots, trail walking shoes, mens waterproof shoes, and waterproof hiking boots for women. The last two can be especially important on a hiking trail, whether that hiking trails features streams or has experienced a great deal of rainfall.
Waterproof hiking boots for women or men are often built out of waterproof leather that keeps water from seeping into the inside of the boot. Waterproof hiking boots for women or men are perfect for handling the more wet or muddy parts of the trail and leave you with dry feet as you’re trekking the next mile.
According to Michigan State University Extension, running shoes should be replaced every 350 to 500 miles. This means that if you run 20 miles per week, you should replace your shoes every 20 to 25 weeks. It’s estimated that 20 billion pairs of shoes are produced annually.
Walking, whether on a treadmill, city streets, or through the wilderness, is a valuable form of exercise. Finding the right shoe to fit your lifestyle and needs can go a long way.
