Walking may be, pound for pound, the most accessible, beneficial and inexpensive form of exercise available. The American Chiropractic Association recommends it as a way to stay fit.

Accessible? Walk out your front door and get started. Beneficial? Walking will strengthen your lungs, heart and circulation. It will ease stress, improve cholesterol levels and kick your metabolism into high gear. It will also help you control blood pressure and your weight. And it will tone the muscles in your legs and abdomen. Inexpensive? A comfortable, supportive pair of shoes designed for walking is the only investment required.

When contemplating any new form of exercise, you should consult with your medical doctor to make sure you’re up to it. As with any new exercise program, don’t overdo it by trying to make up for lost time. Overdoing it might cause soreness or even a minor injury that will keep you from exercising. A five- to ten-minute walk three to five times a week is a good way to start. And you can stretch the duration and pace of the walking from there.

Be sure to stretch a little before and after walking. This will protect your muscles and help keep them limber. Talk with your chiropractor for more information on the benefits of walking.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.