A New Beginning – Let’s Walk!

Before you start walking, take the time to assess your health. Consult your doctor before you hit the trail or treadmill, especially if you’ve been inactive in recent years. Too many Americans have a tendency to take their health for granted and allow too much time to elapse between physical examinations.

Your age, in itself, shouldn’t keep you from exercising. Many of the physiological changes that are assumed to be an inevitable part of aging can actually be linked to inactivity. Regular exercise like walking can actually help you look and feel younger. However, even the most active older people cannot avoid all the changes that occur over time.

Below you will find a good starter program.  Stay at each level for one week then proceed to the next level. Once you have reached level 6 and you are ready to increase the level of difficulty, add five minutes to the previous level until you work up to 60 minutes.

• Level 1: Walk 20 minutes a day 3 to 5 times a week.
• Level 2: Walk 25 minutes a day 3 to 5 times a week.
• Level 3: Walk 30 minutes a day 3 to 5 times a week.
• Level 4: Walk 35 minutes a day 3 to 5 times a week.
• Level 5: Walk 40 minutes a day 3 to 5 times a week.
• Level 6: Walk 45 minutes a day 3 to 5 times a week.