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No matter where you live or work, or your economic situation, there’s one fitness avenue you can almost always find a way to pursue.

Requiring nothing more than a good pair of walking shoes, walking is good for your heart, help you shed that extra pound or two and improve your health in general. The Americans are more obese than Europeans because of the lack of walking, this is also the same reason why urban residents are less heavier than their rural counterparts.

If you watch TV, then you’ve seen commercials touting the benefits of walking in conjunction with trying to sell you a treadmill of some type to lower your weight and get fit. Among the benefits of walking are the lowering of bad cholesterol and the raising of the good, lowering blood pressure, reduce the risk or help in the management of type 2 diabetes and to improve your mood.

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on fitness equipment to enjoy the benefits of walking. You can find a safe place to walk outdoors in your neighborhood or a local park or track, or you can go inside at a mall or large department store. You can enjoy the outdoor scenery, make new friends and navigate through the different terrains; although the changing weather can sometimes be a challenge.

As with any exercise program, you need to consult with a physician for any fitness concerns before beginning one. If you are uncertain of your fitness level and are not sure if you can start walking on your own, go to your local gym or fitness center. In cooperation with physicians, many locations offer special programs that will help monitor your heart and weight as you ease back into a fitness routine. You may even qualify for insurance benefits with these programs.

Whether you start out on a guided program or on your own, the only piece of equipment you must have is a good pair of walking shoes. You have to realize that you need to invest on a really good pair because they will support your feet, legs and back and they are extremely essential.

Wearing comfortable clothes is also important whether you are indoors or out. Layers are good as you will warm up from internal heat when your heart rate rises, even if external conditions do not change. If you are walking outdoors, you need to wear bright colors so that motorists can see you, especially if you’re crossing the street or walking through an area with no sidewalks.

Walking slowly is a good way to warm up your muscles before you start walking briskly. After your muscles are warmer, you may need to stop and stretch them, depending on your fitness level. To avoid injury, you need to go on a slow walk and stretch to cool down after every session.

Although MP3 players can help pass the time, do not use distracting devices if you are walking in any uncontrolled environment. Hearing approaching people or cars is more important than your music.

Instead, if you need motivation, find a walking buddy. If you wish, take a friend with you on your walks. One way to ensure a daily walk outdoors is to get a dog as a walking companion.

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