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Has a recent visit to your cardiologist made you reconsider your sedentary lifestyle? Have you already given walking a chance, but it isn’t exciting enough to get you motivated for your workout routine? Capitol Cardiology Associates is here to offer some help. While scheduling checkups with a heart doctor is the best way to stay up-to-date on your heart health, daily walks are one of the most effective ways to keep your cardiovascular system happy. Keep reading for tips that can help make your next walk more interesting.
Do you always take the same path every day? While this is great for staying in your routine, it can make exercise feel more like a chore. Walking doesn’t have to be slow and monotonous. Try incorporating different styles to keep your workout exciting. Walk backward a few paces to recharge muscle groups that aren’t used as often. Do a few walking lunges to increase mobility in your ankles and knees. Add tap’n clap to your walk by lifting your knees high to tap one knee and clapping in between taps. This helps boost your coordination skills and gives your arms a workout as well.
Another great way to get more from your walks is to add some weight to the workout. Resistance and movement challenges will help strengthen your muscles and help you burn more calories. This can be done by carrying small weights in your hands or adding wrist or ankle weights. Weighted vests are also an option. Be careful to stretch before and after your workout to avoid muscle strain.
Try making your walks a social activity by bringing along a few friends or family members. It will help you stay consistent with your health goals and make things a little more interesting. You can go the extra mile by turning your walk into part of a game, like walking tag, step challenges, or scavenger hunts. Friendly competition can increase motivation and reduce stress while having a great time with the people you cherish most.
If you’re used to doing your walks on the treadmill at the gym or at home, try taking it outdoors every once in a while. Stepping outside and enjoying the beauty of nature can do wonders for your heart as well as your mind. A change of scenery can bring some excitement to an otherwise dull routine. You’ll also get some vitamin D and fresh air, which is good for destressing and improving your heart health. If you want more of a challenge, look for areas with uneven terrain or hilly areas with higher elevations so you can target important muscle groups. Hiking trails are a great way to incorporate your walking while getting back to nature.
If you’ve been hesitating to get your steps in, give some of these ideas a chance. The team at Capitol Cardiology Associates is here to help you improve your cardiovascular health and enjoy your life in the process. If you need a checkup or want some advice on how to take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle, contact us and schedule an appointment with a cardiologist in Laruel, MD in your community.