Walk This Way........

The New Year is well on it's way and we are all working on improving our health and wellness. The gyms are filled with new committed members as well as the regular recommitted members who return for the first few weeks or months of the year. The goals are set and the expectations are high. However, the reality is that the membership will dwindle as the weeks go by.

It is important to understand your ability to follow through with your goals. If you really want to make a difference when you set goals,you must be patient and consistent.

Have you considered walking? I know, you want to get in and get it done at the gym. Hit the weights, the machines and just get it done. Walking sounds so simple and almost like the lazy way out. However, there are great benefits of walking:

**Lowers your blood pressure
**Helps you to manage and maintain a healthy weight
**Improves your cognitive functions
**Lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol)
**Raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol)
**Improves your mood (especially when you notice the weight loss)
**Strengthens your heart
**Walking up to 150 minutes a week can reduce your risks of having type 2 diabetes by almost 60 percent
**Walking improves physical function

Take each step one at a time. You're not going for a stroll, you are walking at a brisk pace with your arms moving. Walk as if you are on your way to claim your jackpot prize.