NOT JUST WALKING
Brisk walking, 25 minutes a day, four days a week, is enough to provide you with physical and psychological well-being. For the more eager and adventurous, there are many other great exercise activities.
Riding a bicycle is an excellent exercise, whether it be a real bicycle or an exercise bicycle. When it gets too hot or too cold to exercise outdoors, I go with my sons to a health club. While they’re lifting weights and playing basketball, I ride a stationary bicycle and watch the pretty women lifting weights, stretching and taking aerobics classes.
Swimming is another excellent, all-around exercise that gives you the health benefits of brisk walking. And because swimming takes the weight off your lower back, it’s a wonderful activity for those with problem backs.
Brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cross-country skiing, rowing, aerobics, karate—anything that keeps your heart beating in your Heartbeat Target Zone for about 25 minutes will do the trick. If you prefer more strenuous and difficult activities, fine. If not, brisk walking is all it takes to strengthen your “doctor within.” Such sports as baseball and touch football are fun, but they don’t give you the aerobic benefits of walking, because the action isn’t continuous. Your heart rate doesn’t stay in the Heartbeat Target Zone. Instead, it bounces up and down as you start and stop.
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