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Choosing the best home treadmill can be confusing as you sift through all of the options, new models, and brand name ‘deals’. Too often, people get caught up in all the ‘Goodies’ a treadmill offers them that they miss the fact that the treadmill doesn’t have the basic essentials of a quality unit.

By knowing the 4 basic essentials of a quality home treadmill, you’ll be able to quickly sift through the treadmill deals and choose the best home treadmill for you.

The 4 basic essentials to a quality treadmill are:

#1 – High Powered, Well Built Motor

Since the motor is the most expensive part of the treadmill to fix, a good motor is essential to your treadmill. Try to find at least a motor power of 2.0 HP, preferably higher.

Remember that a 1.5 HP motor has to work twice as hard as a 3.0 HP motor – so it will burn out long before the 3.0 HP motor.

Also, not all motors are built with the same quality parts. Look for a good brand name and a long motor warranty to give you clues as to the quality of the motor.

#2 – Excellent Cushioning

There’s not enough said about cushioning and it is so important in a home treadmill. A good cushioning system protects your joints, ligaments and back. A poor cushioning system can result in injury and pain.

I know of one woman who bought a cheaper brand of treadmill and then ran on it. Within 6 months, she had damaged her hips so badly that it hurt her to even walk on the treadmill. You definitely don’t want that!

Make sure your treadmill offers an excellent cushioning system – especially if you’ll be running!

#3 – Extensive Warranty

You want to protect your investment so a solid treadmill warranty is a must. A good treadmill warranty will cover the frame for at least 30 years, the motor for at least 5 years and other parts and labor for about 1 year. Anything above that and you’ve got an excellent warranty.

But a warranty isn’t just to protect your investment – a good warranty lets you know about the quality of the treadmill parts.

Treadmill companies do not include warranties because they think they’ll have to fix the treadmill within that time frame. They know that they WON’T have to fix them within that time frame because the quality of parts used are high. So if you find a treadmill with a 10 year motor warranty, you KNOW it’s a quality built motor. If the motor warranty is only 90 days however…that tells you something.

#4 – Quality Brand Name

Certain brand names have a reputation for building a high quality home treadmill. Other brand names may be well-known but they don’t necessarily have a good reputation.

Choose a treadmill that has a solid, trusted brand name. Not sure which brands are good? Check out expert ratings and ‘Best Buys’ on various treadmill review sites and/or magazines. You’ll start to see a trend where certain brand names come up frequently. These brands are the quality treadmill manufacturers.

So those are 4 basic essentials of a good home treadmill:

- High Powered, Well Built Motor

- Excellent Cushioning

- Extensive Warranty

- Quality Brand Name

Knowing these, you can sift through the treadmills available and easily locate the best treadmill for your home.

For more treadmill reviews and best home treadmill buys, visit: http://www.TreadmillReview.net

Good luck and have fun!

Kathryn O’Neill is chief editor for Treadmill Reviews, a consumer oriented website focusing on home treadmills. For buying tips, brand reviews, and best buys, visit Treadmill Review at: www.treadmillreview.net.

When we think of exercise we often think of an expensive gym filled with others. For some people they aren’t comfortable venturing to a gym and working out in front of other people. For them purchasing a piece of exercise equipment for their home is a better choice.

Although there are numerous different choices in home exercise equipment, one particular piece of equipment stands out. The treadmill is an affordable choice and with its ease of use it’s perfect for almost every member of the family.

The benefits of treadmill exercise are far reaching. Not only does it afford you the same benefits of a brisk walk but there are other elements in play as well.

One of the benefits of treadmill exercise is that engaging in exercise each day helps with sleep. If you take a few moments of your time each day to use the treadmill you’ll find that you are more tired around bedtime and you’ll sleep more soundly. The body needs to nourish itself with sleep after it’s gone through a period of exertion.

When considering the benefits of treadmill exercise people don’t often consider how the mood can be affected. Regular, daily exercise can help with feelings of depression or sadness. The time involved on the treadmill doesn’t have to be long. Even a short ten or twenty minute period each day can be very beneficial.

Some of the greatest benefits of treadmill exercise can be felt when you adjust the machine. Treadmills that are run on electricity have different speed settings. If you are just beginning an exercise regime than using the lowest speed is advisable.

Even at a low setting your body will enjoy the benefits of treadmill exercise including an increased heart rate and fat burning. As you grow more accustomed to the speed you can increase it slowly.

Changing the incline of the track can also result in increased benefits of treadmill exercise. When you feel as though you are walking uphill you are focusing on the muscles contained in your legs and buttocks. For a man or woman wanting to tone up these areas this can give great results.

Treadmills are one of the easiest pieces of exercise equipment to use. Once the machine is assembled it is as simple as getting on and walking or running. The benefits of treadmill exercise can be felt by anyone including more mature people who are looking for a safe and easy way to exercise.

Not all treadmills are electric. There are manual versions of treadmills available. The benefits of treadmill exercise on a manual treadmill as opposed to an electric version are much the same. The only difference is that with the manual treadmill you will find yourself working a bit harder to get the belt to move. This in itself is a benefit because it requires a bit more exertion on the part of the person exercising.

Treadmills are available in many designs and in every price range. If you really want to experience the benefits of treadmill exercise, purchase a machine today.

Halloween candy is the unofficial start of holiday eating binges. It’s hard to refuse those few morsels that “trick or treating” children leave behind. No one wants to throw food out, so most people bring the candy to work and spread it around.

It’s that time of year again – when all of us could learn a little restraint and still be able to enjoy ourselves at the same time. Please observe, or pass on the following information, to your loved ones, friends, and students. Last year, I lost 10 pounds during the holidays, and 21 pounds since then, by using the following guidelines.

After you eat, your stomach should be half full, or less, with food. For every two parts of food consumed, you should drink one part water. Leave your stomach at least one quarter empty for movement of air.

When eating at a restaurant or party, eat half a portion, maximum, and wait five or ten minutes. Restaurant portions are commonly two or three meals on a single or double plate. This is way too much to consume at a single sitting, and you may find out that once you pause and sip your drink, you are already full.

In the Providence, RI area, there are some restaurants where the single portions could feed a family of four. No wonder a man of 200 lbs. is now considered thin.

Establish control over your appetite. Most of us feel guilty if we don’t finish a plate. This is usually conditioning from your childhood. Bury your guilty past and have the rest “wrapped to go.”

Here are a few more guidelines that will help you during the holiday season and throughout the New Year.

Always eat something for breakfast and never “skip it.” When you skip breakfast, you will over consume, later in the day.

Eat slowly and thoroughly chew your food.

If you love carbonated drinks – drink carbonated water without sugars or sugar substitutes.

Make sure your last meal, or last “snack” of the day, is small and nutritionally dense. Examples: Cereal with fruit, cottage cheese with fruit, vegetable salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, rice with vegetables, and light popcorn, without the extra butter and salt. For those who eat meat or fish: turkey, chicken, or salmon salad on top of fresh greens.

In the last part of your day, skip desserts, sugary cereals, bread, and second portions. Second portions of carbohydrates can contribute to high triglyceride levels. If you absolutely must have sugar: Eat fruit salad, fruit with rice, or yogurt.

If you must have coffee or alcohol, beware that these should be consumed in extreme moderation. Both substances will dehydrate your body, and you will have to drink extra water to make up for it. Wine is much better than hard alcohol, but one or two glasses a day is the limit.

Coffee consumption should be held to the same guidelines (one or two a day). Remember that green tea is a good substitute for coffee.

Nutritious food is not an excuse for over indulgence. Even when you eat all the right things, the volume consumed should be in moderation. It will take a lot of exercise to make up for overeating anything.

Make your meal a meditation, by focusing on the meal you eat at the kitchen table. Pause every few minutes, think about the amount you have eaten, be thankful for your life, and breathe. Do not engage in unconscious eating while watching television or driving the car.

© Copyright 2005 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Whether you call them a stability ball, swiss ball, or exercise ball, there are so many great benefits to exercising with a stability ball in your home workouts.

Stability Ball Benefits

Besides providing balance training, (an often overlooked component in most exercise programs) stability balls work your core in almost every exercise that is performed, and work multiple muscles at one time while forcing your body to balance itself. So your core will be better prepared to support the rest of your body in whatever activity you do. They are versatile too:

1. The ball can be used at home or at your gym.

2. All ages, and levels of fitness can benefit from stability ball training.

3. An exercise ball is portable and light weight.

4. An exercise ball is inexpensive.

5. Requires little if any maintenance.

Stability Ball Workout Tips

Use your exercise ball for a total body workout. You can work your legs, arms, chest, back, and abdominals. Try some of these in your stability ball training:

Supine Oblique Curl

Start with the top of the ball beneath the center of the back, then stagger your feet and turn hips to one side. Anchor the lower hip to the ball and move the rib cage at a diagonal direction toward the legs (for example, right elbow to left inner thigh). Make sure your neck and pelvis are stable.

Forward Transverse Roll

Kneel on the floor and place your forearms on the ball, making sure your hips and arms form a 90 degree angle. From this starting position, roll the ball forward as you extend your arms and legs simultaneously. Contract your abdominals to help support your lower back, which should not be strained. Roll as far forward as possible without compressing the spine, drooping the shoulders, or rounding the torso. Return to starting position.

Chest Fly

Lie across the ball with your head and shoulders supported on the ball and your legs bent with heals about two feet from ball. Extend arms overhead with palms facing each other. Slowly separate your arms in a circular motion and bend your elbows slightly as lower your arms down until your upper arms are parallel to the ground. Return to start position and repeat.

Wall Squats

Lean your back against a ball that is placed against the wall and stand with your feet hip-width apart and about a foot away from the wall. Keep your back straight. Bend your knees and let the ball roll up your back until your knees bend to about a 90 degree angle. Keep your knees behind your toes as you bend. Return to start position and repeat.

Shoulder Retraction

Kneel over the ball. Tuck your hips into the ball and rest your abs against it. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, with your arms relaxed and at the sides of the ball, palms facing back. Pull your shoulder blades back. Pull your arms up, bending at your elbows to form right angles until they are parallel with your shoulders. Return to the starting postion.

Don’t Forget to Stretch

The American Council on Exercise suggests the following simple yet effective stretches on the ball:

Back Extension – Start in a seated position with your fingertips supporting the back of your head both your elbows out. Walk your feet out until your upper back is lying on the ball while continuing to support your head and back. For a more intense stretch, lengthen your arms overhead and straighten your legs – breathe deeply and hold the stretch.

Kneeling Side – Start by kneeling upright on a mat with the ball at the side of your right hip, place your right hand on the ball and your left arm hanging close to your torso. Sweep your left arm in a wide arc up and over your head and back to the starting position. Hold the final arc in a lifted position 10-30 seconds for a static stretch and repeat three to five times.

Pelvic Circles – Start in a seated base position. Slowly circle your hips clockwise three to five times; reverse, circling counterclockwise. Focus on releasing tension in the hips and lower back.

You can’t go wrong with such a versatile and inexpensive piece of equipment. If you are looking for a simple and highly effective way to change a workout routine, look into doing your exercise on a stability ball.

The information contained in this article is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are sedentary or over 40 please get clearance from a doctor before starting an exercise program.

–

You have permission to publish this article electronically, without changes of any kind, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included, and remain working hyperlinks. Please send a copy of the URL where you have posted this article.

©Rick DeToma

Rick DeToma is a fitness coach, and trainer who specializes in home workouts. Contact Rick for a no obligation telephone fitness assessment at:
http://www.tailored-fitness-home-workouts.com/contact.html

Get more tips like these and a bonus too, by subscribing to Tailored Fitness News at:
http://www.tailored-fitness-home-workouts.com/newsletter.html

If you’re buying a treadmill, chances are you’ve done lots of research already. You probably know exactly what makes up a high quality treadmill and have an idea of which features you want in your unit.

But even with this knowledge many people still fall prey to slick treadmill deals that end up costing them in the long run.

In order to keep that from happening to you, here are 3 essential buying tips to make sure you choose the very best treadmill for you.

#1) Not All Treadmill Brands Are Created Equal

I recently had a gentleman e-mail me asking for advice on which treadmill he should buy. He had narrowed it down to 3 choices:

Choice #1: Brand A: 2.5 HP motor $999

Choice #2: Brand A: 1.75 HP motor $899

Choice #3: Brand B: 2.0 HP motor $1099

He asked me which treadmill I would buy. He was clearly leaning towards Choice #1.

This was the natural choice for most people and it makes sense: get the most for the least. Or get the most motor power for the least amount of money.

However, my answer surprised him. I told him if it were my choice, I would go with Choice #3: Brand B for $1099. Here’s why:

Although the motor power is lower than Choice #1 and the price is higher, Brand B makes an overall better treadmill. Why?

Brand B has a reputation for making high quality treadmills and backing them up with extensive warranties, including 10 years on the motor. It can afford to give such lengthy warranties because it knows that it makes a quality product that probably WON’T break down – even in 10 years.

Brand A on the other hand offers a 90-day motor warranty. What does that tell you about the quality of parts?

Although motor power is a good feature to consider when buying a treadmill – you have to be careful. Look at it in the context of the whole treadmill – including the brand.

Not all treadmill brands are created equal. Some treadmill brands use extremely high quality materials. Others well, don’t.

Make sure to look beyond just the bare numbers when choosing a treadmill. Look at the whole picture to find the best treadmill for you.

#2) Don’t Always Believe What The Salesperson Tells You

Get it in writing. This isn’t to put down any salesperson – but they are human. They do make mistakes, and sometimes this can end up costing you.

I had another lady e-mail me asking for advice on choosing a treadmill. She’d narrowed it down to several and was leaning towards one in particular (let’s call it Treadmill X).

She had been told by a salesperson in the store that this Treadmill X (for $899) came with a lifetime warranty on the motor.

This lady was smart. She was looking at the whole treadmill picture. The price was excellent. The motor power was average (1.75 HP). And who can pass up a lifetime motor warranty?

But wait a minute.

I was fairly familiar with this treadmill brand and knew something was off.

This particular treadmill brand never gives lifetime motor warranties – ever. Not even on their commercial treadmills. So why would they offer a lifetime motor warranty on one of their economy treadmills?

I voiced my concerns to her and wasn’t surprised to hear back a couple of days later that the salesperson had actually been mistaken about the lifetime warranty.

If she had bought this treadmill simply based on what the salesperson said, she might have gotten a nasty surprise – especially since this particular treadmill brand is known for being extremely costly to repair.

Don’t always trust what the salesperson says. Make sure to get it in writing before you buy!

#3 Forget the Price Tag – Look at the REAL Price Of The Treadmill

Price is probably one of the most important factors when buying a treadmill. But sometimes the price of the treadmill can be misleading.

For example, let’s say you’re looking at Brand A in a store with a price of $799. Pretty good price right?

A much better deal than Brand B – sold online – at $999.

But look closer at Brand A. Brand A only comes with a 90 day parts and labor warranty so you need to buy added coverage. You pay $50 for a 2 year extended motor warranty.

So Brand A’s total cost is now $849 (with a 2 year motor warranty)

Brand B is still $999 (with a 10 year motor warranty already included)

Overall, you figure that Brand A is still the better deal since it’s cheaper.

But look closer. You need to pay shipping costs for Brand A. Shipping costs from most stores usually run you about $150.

Brand B, since it is sold online offers free shipping (most online treadmill sellers do).

So Brand A’s total cost is now $998 (with a 2 year motor warranty)

Brand B is still $999 (with a 10 year motor warranty)

With Brand A, $799 has gone to buy the treadmill, $50 has gone to buy the warranty and $150 has gone into shipping.

With Brand B, $999 has gone to buy the treadmill (warranty included).

So which treadmill do you think actually gives you the most value for your money?

And don’t forget that many online treadmill stores don’t charge sales tax. The store that sells Brand A does. That technically makes Brand A MORE expensive than Brand B.

So when comparing treadmills, make sure to consider the TOTAL COST of each treadmill before you buy.

By keeping these 3 tips in mind when purchasing a treadmill:

- Not all treadmill brands are created equal

- Don’t believe what the salesperson tells you – get it in writing

and

- Look at the REAL price of the treadmill

you’ll be well on your way to choosing the best treadmill investment for you. Good luck and have fun!

Looking for more treadmill buying tips?

Treadmill Review offers you original treadmill brand reviews, best buys and buying tips to save you hundreds of dollars on your next treadmill.

Visit http://www.treadmillreview.net for more information

You’ve heard the expression a thousand times “use it or lose
it”. As we get older it is important that we stay active and get
our bodies moving. If you are over forty and are not very
active, I’m sure you have noticed your muscle size and tone
disappearing. Well read on because I have discovered an
excellent way to start an exercise program that you can
gradually increase over time.

let’s first discuss why exercising is so important in the
first place.

Regular exercising helps prevent diseases like heart disease,
cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases. In
addition you will improves stamina, strengthen and tone those
muscles, enhance your flexibility, control your weight and
overall you will improve your quality of life.

Now here is the plan that I followed to get started and now
maintain.

Always start off slow. If you want to jog, start of walking.
Start walking let’s say one mile per day for two weeks and as
your muscles get used to it up the miles to two. This is wise
for weight lifting as well, start off with less weight and fewer
reps. There is nothing more discouraging then to wake up with
over worked and sore muscles. In fact, most people over do it in
the beginning, which causes them to take a break from their
routine. This usually causes them to stop all together and fear
starting again due to the pain they anticipate.

For years I over did it and I did exactly what I mentioned which
caused me to stop all together. So here is my advise to you for
beginning and maintaining a successful exercise program. Pick a
combination of strength building and aerobic type exercises you
enjoy with keeping in mind that you have plenty of time to grow
into it. Be patient and go at it slow then gradually build up
your weight, reps and miles until you feel comfortable. Before
you know it you will be enjoying a robust program and find that
you will crave your next session. Good luck.

Treadmills Home Exercise Equipment

Thinking about purchasing a treadmill? I was and honestly it took me about a month to finally decide on one. There are so many different options and price ranges. There are inexpensive ones that start about $150 and the more expensive commercial treadmill priced at about $5000.

After doing my research I settled on one that goes for $1200. If this is something you believe you are really going to stick with and feel you will use regularly I recommend staying away for the low end price models.

The treadmill I ended up with has an incline of 12%. I recommend you get one that goes to at least 10%. The mph I bought goes to 12mph, this I would recommend at least 7mph. What else do you need to consider? I like the space saver models. You can just fold them up and put them against the wall. Be aware thou even folded they are still pretty bulky if you get one with a good size track.

The treadmill I got comes with ifit technology which I was a little skeptical about until I tried it. It is really awesome. You go online and answer some simple questions plug your computer or laptop into the treadmill that uses ifit and it automatically controls your exercise routine. Controls speeds and inclines. If you are new at exercising I highly recommend getting a treadmill with this feature. It is like having your own personal trainer.

Use a traedmill to help you feel healthier, get in shape and to shed pounds and lose weight. I have tried many types of exercise machines and a treadmill by far is my favorite.

————————- Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR’S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes. ————————-

Do you remember when our parents used to yell at us to go outside and play? They would get so tired of us running around the house munching junk food and fighting with our siblings that they would practically kick us out of the house!

Well, we may not have the same child-like activities lined up to get outside for anymore, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t still get out and enjoy the world! Exercising outdoors has many benefits, and they include the following:

- Little or no equipment needed to get a good workout – No crowded gyms or obnoxious people to put up with – No driving time to the local fitness facility – No need to put on makeup or special clothing to workout at the gym – Vitamin D enhancing sunshine for our skin – The ability to workout anytime, anywhere – even on vacation – Two words: Fresh Air

There are probably other reasons that you can think of why an outdoor workout would fit into your particular lifestyle, so now all you have to do is learn what kind of activities can be done outside.

Refer to the following Top 7 list of exercises that are sure to leave you sweaty, worn out, and feeling great when it’s all over!

LUNGES

Like all exercises, lunges should be done with absolutely perfect form. When done correctly, a lunge will work every single muscle in your legs at some point throughout the movement, including the all important Gluteus Maximus (that’s the primary buttocks muscle, for those of you not anatomically inclined).

Variations on lunges that require no equipment include; Standing Lunges, Alternating Lunges, Elevated Lunges, Rear Lunges, and Walking Lunges.

PUSH UPS

Push ups have always been one of the most effective upper body exercises, but they have somehow gotten lost in the world of shiny chest press machines and fleets of various types of exercise benches. However, the push up is still an incredibly productive exercise, and it requires no equipment whatsoever.

The 3 basic push up movements include Standard Grip, Wide Grip, and Close Grip. Alternating those 3 types will ensure maximal stimulation to the chest, shoulders, and triceps. In addition, you can elevate your hands to make the movement somewhat easier, or elevate your feet to make the movement somewhat harder.

Also, if you are really feeling brave, you can even throw in some Bounce and Clap Push Ups!

SQUATS

Many people simply don’t understand the incredible power of doing a Squat the right way. Through improper instruction, inappropriate form, and just plain laziness, the incredible effectiveness of the Squat has been lost in the mix.

Variations including Standing Squats, One-Leg Squats, Plie Squats, Wide-Stance Squats, and Overhead Squats. Think you can’t get enough stimulus out of Squats? Try doing 50 perfectly formed repetitions and see how tired your legs are!

STEP UPS

Brutal is the best word to describe this exercise when done properly! Using nothing more than a picnic bench, a piece of playground equipment, or even just a decent size rock, you simply step up onto your elevated surface, step down, and then repeat on the other side alternating back and forth.

By keeping your back straight and your head up the entire time, you will maximize recruitment of all of your leg muscles, and you will get an incredible cardiovascular workout as well. Go for perfect form and you will quickly see the benefit of this great exercise.

CHIN UPS

The outdoor version of Chin Ups and Pull ups can be done using anything from a low-hanging tree branch to any number of different pieces of playground equipment.

When done properly, Chin Ups and Pull Ups will humble most people, even avid exercisers. Bring your body up completely until your chin is at or above your hands, and lower back to the start under control. Repeat for as many as you can do!

UPHILL SPRINTS

Don’t try this one until you can run a good 100-yard dash on level ground! This exercise is just what it sounds like – running uphill. Run up a decent size hill as fast as you can, walk back to the bottom, and repeat. Bring oxygen, but leave your pride at home, or else the hill will take it from you!

DUCK WALKS

This exercise is so simple, yet about as hard as it gets. Simply squat down until your thighs are at or below parallel to the ground, stay in that position, and start walking. Go about 10 steps and then walk backwards to your starting point. Repeat as many times as necessary (which won’t be many) to reach total exhaustion!

As you can see, doing outdoor exercises has all of the benefits listed above including one benefit that wasn’t listed – they are hard! If you are up to the challenge and sick of the gym, give your body and your mind an Earth-moment and get outside and play!

Pro Form XP 542s Treadmill – A Good Value At Sears

The Pro Form xp 542s treadmill, like its partner the xp 542e, is part of the xp Series made exclusively for Sears.

There are two other models in the series, the xp800vf and the 590s, a larger model that might be a better choice for sports trainers.

All Proform models are in the economy class and sell for $1000, give-or-take a couple hundred, and Pro Form xp 542s treadmills are no exception at less than $800.

Icon Health and Fitness produces the Proform brand along with Weslo, Nordic Track, Image, Gold’s Gym and Healthrider.

Often criticized in treadmill reviews for using less-reliable overseas parts, they are also praised for offering full-featured fitness equipment at good value.

In the Pro -form brand they have produced treadmills of good value commonly rated Best Buys in a lower price range.

Pick Up The Pace. . . And The Treadmill

The Proform xp 542s and 542e are nearly identical. Both use a 2.75HP motor to push speeds of up to 10 MPH and have running surfaces of 18×55″ cushioned by Proform’s adjustable Pro Shox system.

The deck features powered incline.

Speed, distance, calories, and time are displayed, and workouts include both preset and optional iFit® interactive workouts designed by professional trainers.

Both models feature the Space Saver design found in nearly all Proform models allowing easier storage between uses, and for a more convenient session, a bottle holder and cooling fan are standard.

Icon warranties are something to be aware of going in. Motors are covered for 10 years, but everything else is covered for only 90 days, well below the industry standard.

Sears’ ‘Protective Agreements’, extended warranties, effectively, might be a good accessory on the xp 542s.

Sears also offers online purchase of its treadmill models, but to eliminate the two to three weeks delivery time, you can pick up your purchase at the local Sears store, depending on the model and local availability.

More information and reviews on leading treadmills can be found at Best Treadmill Guide

Walking is the easiest way of exercise because it is accessible at anyplace, anywhere and anytime. Several studies show that walking can:

reduce high cholesterol and improve blood lipid profile reduce body fat enhance mental well being increase bone density, hence helping to prevent osteoporosis reduce the risk of cancer of the colon reduce the risk of non insulin dependant diabetes help to control body weight help osteoarthritis help flexibility and co-ordination hence reducing the risk of falls

Although walking can reduce body fat for weight loss purpose, it is actually not an effective option of exercise, because it doesn’t burn lots of calories and only bring small increase in metabolism. In fact, you will have to walk for hours everyday if you want to burn fat! High intensity cardiovascular or aerobic exercise 2-3 times a week will be much more effective in burning off the excess body fat or losing weight.

Walking is more effective if maintaining or controlling your body weight. Walking at a faster pace can help improving cardiovascular function and fitness level, while walking at a slower pace can help building up endurance because of longer exercise time. In this case, speed and distance does matter. The faster and the further a person walks, the more calories he will use. So, what to do now? Depends on your goals, if you want to lose weight and love walking, you can combine them together in your exercise schedule, 2-3 times a week for high intensity cardio or aerobic exercise and 2-3 times a week walking with your family, and make sure be free one or two days. If you want to reduce risk of diseases or maintaining body weight / health, walking 2-3 times a week will help.