Challenge #5: Walk It Out!

I'm working on something fun that will start around mid-March, so all of the challenges for February will focus on getting more active.  That's right - I'll expect you to use that body of yours too!

Don't worry, though, I'm not asking you to commit to a marathon.  All of my challenges for this month  will be something that I promise everyone CAN do!  I promise :-)

So this week's challenge is to make time for a 10 minute walk every day.  Try to put some pep in that step too!  Make those 10 minutes count for something!  Yes, 30 minutes/day is ideal, but even just 10 minutes of brisk walking can have some great benefits on your health.  Still don't believe me?  Well read this:

"Even just 10 minutes of walking altered levels of 20 blood compounds tied to better health, including ones linked to burning fat, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, building energy and protecting cells from free radical damage. Walking also moved the needle on compounds the researchers didn't know exercise affected, such as niacinamide, which boosts sensitivity to insulin (a good thing). They found another hidden bonus, too: After a 10-minute walk, you get to enjoy the beneficial changes for up to 60 minutes."  - From a syndicated column co-authored by Drs. Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen

That means....

Do something GREAT for yourself today!  Soooo step away from your desk; take a quick walk around the parking lot after lunch; take your kids outside for a walk after school; take the dogs in the morning or early evening; hop on the treadmill while dinner cooks; take a walk in the parking lot while waiting for your kids to get out of football practice, baseball, dance, band, etc.  You can do this! 

And remember....