Part of RVing is taking every available opportunity to get out and see the world on our own terms, but if you have mostly been content to watch the world pass by from your comfy captain’s chair, it might be time to mix things up a bit and start walking your way to new experiences and better health.
Walking is one of the best low-impact physical activities around and is one form of exercise in which almost anyone can take part. Regardless of age, fitness level or body type, anyone who has the ability to walk even short distances can reap the benefits of this gentle exercise option. There aren’t any rules to learn, equipment to purchase or special skills required in order to enjoy better health and overall well-being through walking.
Sure, some experts – and amateur fitness nuts – might try to tell you that walking is not going to provide you with the increased heart rate, sweat and tears required to see any real improvement and that more vigorous options are the only route to better health. But they would be wrong. In fact, if you are fairly sedentary right now and decided to dive into jogging, running or other higher-impact activities, it could actually do more harm than good. And this 
is, of course, doesn’t even cover the fact that moving from one extreme to another will do nothing but probably turn you off of exercise for good.
Even if running or rock climbing is your overall goal, you have to start somewhere, and walking is an excellent place to start. And if you read the research and ask avid walkers, you will also find that walking is also a great end goal, since brisk walking on a regular basis can provide plenty of benefits on its own.
Here are some examples of the benefits of walking:
• Improved mood
• Weight loss and management
• Reduced risk of heart attacks
• Stronger muscles
• Higher good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol)
• Lower bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol)
• Reduced symptoms for those who suffer from chronic pain
Aside from these clear health benefits, walking is also a great way to experience the world in a different way. And since walking and hiking go hand in hand, starting a regular walking routine will help you prepare for everything from a day at Disneyland or visiting the state’s largest swap meet to finally being able to traverse that trek to the beach from your favorite campsite or heading up a mountain just to see the view.
Check out www.thewalkingsite.com for more information on the benefits of walking.
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