Full Circle Digital Magazine September 2013 | Page 38

L E T ’ S

G E T

P H Y S I C A L

•

W A L K I N G

let’s get physical
Walking is a great way to get and stay fit!
by Dawn Halkett, Longbeach Physiotherapy

Your physiotherapist can prescribe a programme best suited to your fitness levels and goals. Start out slow and easy. If you haven’t been exercising for some time, walk only as far and as fast as you can manage comfortably, gradually building up your pace and distance. It is a good idea to increase gradually each week so you don’t risk injury by doing too much too soon.

Before you start a walking programme, take a look at the following questions first.
The American Physical Therapy Association suggests you check with your physiotherapist or health care professional first if you answer yes to any of the questions below: Do you have heart trouble? D  o you experience chest pains or pain on your left side (neck, shoulder, or arm) or breathlessness when you are physically active? D  o you often feel faint or have dizzy spells? Do you have high blood pressure? Do you have bone or joint problems that could worsen if you are physically active? Are you over 50 and have not been physically active?

By performing regular brisk walks you can:
Control your weight; Reduce your risk of type II Diabetes or manage it better; Improve your heart health; Lower your blood pressure; Increase energy; Improvement cardiovascular fitness; Increase muscle tone; Reduce stress; And it can even improve your mood!

REMEMBER: exercise should be fun so get your family
involved and don’t forget that your dog loves walking too.

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FULL CIRCLE DIGITAL MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013