Fighting Osteoporosis by Walking

I've talked a lot about the benefits to walking, but with the rise in gas prices it is good to remind people that walking is pretty darned cheap. Good shoes, like good tires for your car, and you are ready to roll!

Walking is one of the best ways to combat osteoporosis. That's because walking is a "weight bearing exercise". In other words, when you walk, you are putting weight (your body weight) on to your feet. Walking also uses the larges muscles and joints in your body--the lower body.

Remember to start small--do a short walk, then maybe a couple short walks a day. You want to build up your bones as well as your muscles.

By gradually increasing your endurance you will gain strength, increase your lung capacity and have more energy!

There is also some evidence that walking may help delay or perhaps prevent dementia and Alzheimer's!

So find some interesting places to walk, like I do. Whether it is your neighborhood, a trail, or the older district downtown, just get out and move!

If you want more info on walking for health, you can join the Step Up to Slim Down Community Challenge (hey, it started Sept 29, but I figure it is never too late to start)