How often do you think about your body? You probably think about it most often when you’re bothered by the way it looks or feels. Now think for a moment about what a wonderful thing your body is.

Your body is an incredible vehicle, designed with precision and durability to serve you well for many years – within a certain lifestyle and environmental framework. In the environment that existed until the early 1900’s, good health occurred naturally under natural conditions. People ate a variety of healthy foods, and exercised their bodies without conscious thought. But our present-day environment differs drastically.

Thanks to the miracles of modern science, we are able to fulfill our needs much quicker and easier than ever before. The quality of life has improved in many ways over the past century. Yet ironically, most of our health problems (including obesity, hypertension and heart disease) are a direct result of our easier lifestyle. Convenience is a good thing, but we have simply too much of a good thing.

All that convenience we enjoy must be balanced-with exercise. There are lots of excuses not to, of course. “I’d just winded up hurting myself.” “I can’t afford those fancy spas or classes.” Or the ever-popular, “I just haven’t got the time.”

Well, here’s some good news. Good health doesn’t have to be painful, expensive, or even time consuming. In fact just a few modifications of your daily routine can restore the balance of health that once came as second nature.

You needn’t reach Olympian heights to benefit from exercise. Aerobics, running and team sports are fine for some, but injuries are common, and some people just can’t do those things. For our purposes, we want to focus on an activity which is less stressful, readily available to everyone, and easy to include in your daily routine: WALKING. Walking has many benefits. It gently strengthens the cardiovascular system. It gives us quiet, thoughtful time alone. And it’s a fun and economical form of transportation. Walking invigorates the body, clears the mind and restores the spirit.

We feel good when we exercise regularly. It gets our juices flowing. Increased blood flow to the brain and muscles gives us a full, flushed feeling of well-being. When we exercise, our ligaments and tendons are stretched, maintaining the range of motion in our joints. Walking in sunlight actually stimulates vitamin D production, which increases our body’s absorption of calcium, so vital to strong bones and teeth. Walking also strengths our bones by stressing them, thus lessening the chances for osteoporosis, a special concern for women as they age.

Think about your health and how you can incorporate something simply as walking into everyday routine. Start a walking group with your friends or join a local walking club. Walk to do errands, take the stairs; a few simple things can go a long way. Remember our feet are our foundation. Wear comfortable proper fitting shoes, such as SAS Comfort Shoes – Free Time or Tour Active Comfort for women and Time Out and Journey Active Comfort for men. All of which are highly recommend by podiatrists and other foot specialists. Be sure to consult a physician before starting any exercise.

SAS Comfort Shoes - 2950 Douglas Street, Victoria BC (250) 382-7463 www.SASshoes.ca