EXPECT BIG RESULTS!!

Let’s review what we’ve learned so far! We know that we should walk effectively for 30 or more minutes a day to improve our state of health. We know that keeping track of our walking and setting goals will help us continue our walking and keep us interested in our walking program. Yet, I’m sure you are wondering “what should I expect from walking”! In this section, you will learn about all of the positive outcomes of walking as a regular physical activity behavior

Participation in regular walking as physical activity is associated with a variety of health benefits like decreased risk of …
· Hypertension
· Colon cancer
· Breast cancer
· Diabetes mellitus
· Stroke
· Depression
· Anxiety
· Dying prematurely
· Osteoporosis
· Hip fracture in women
· Developing lower back pain

Regular PA like walking throughout your adolescence specifically is important because it
· Increases muscle and bone strength
· Increases lean muscle and
· Helps decrease body fat
· Improves weight management

Walking can also add a variety of mental and social health benefits as well. Involvement in properly guided physical activity like a walking and sports can help promote opportunities for
· Natural self-expression,
· Self-confidence,
· Relief of tension,
· Achievement, and
· Positive social interaction

It also cultivates the adoption of other healthy behaviors including
The avoidance of…
· Tobacco
· Alcohol
· Drug use
· Violent behavior

As well as the adoption of …
· A healthy diet
· Adequate rest
· HIGHER ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

If you are still not convinced to WALK FOR LIFE, here are some other benefits of walking
· It's Simple: All you need to walk is a pair of supportive shoes.
· It Travels well: Whether you are at home on holiday, or on a business trip a walk is always just a step away.
· It's Social: Walking is a great excuse to spend time visiting with friends or catching up with family.
· It's Private: Walking is a great way to be by yourself - to take some breaths, think through problems and just relax.
· It's Efficient: Once you learn to use your legs and pump your arms, walking exercises both upper and lower body muscles.
· It's Injury Free: Walking is virtually an injury free activity but as with all activities, be smart and ease into your program gradually.