Walk @ Lunch 2014 Week 3 Newsletter Walking - Outside or Using the Treadmill? While there is an on-going argument over which is more beneficial, there are only slight differences between the exercise and benefits between both forms of walking. Outdoor walking advantages include: 1) More muscle groups get worked while walking outside. Starting and stopping, dodging other people, and walking up and downhill use different muscle groups exercising different areas of the body. 2) Balance and agility also are improved. Slanting and narrow side roads and alley ways provide the necessary conditions to work on these areas. 3) You burn more calories walking outside because of the increase in muscle use and the wind resistance you walk against, and, 4) It gets you out of the house and/or office. The time away can be relaxing and refreshing giving you a fresh perspective on the day. Inclement weather, safe places to walk, the walking surface, and seasonal allergies could be disadvantages to outdoor walking that are overcome by hitting the gym or fitness center and the treadmill. Bear in mind that once you are indoors on the treadmill you may be burning less calories because there is no wind resistance and the moving tread does some of the work for you. Most inclines are uphill so the muscles used in downhill walking are not used, and you do not use as many muscles on a treadmill as you would outside.Outside or inside on a treadmill, walking at least 30 minutes a day will always be beneficial for your health! *************** Family Fitness Ideas for This Week Give one of these a try, to get your family moving with you. 1 .Skip stones at the river. 2. Have a family yard work day and then enjoy a bonfire that evening 3. On April 22, organize a neighborhood public trash pick-up in honor of Earth Day. ******************* Hydration’s Relation to Almost Everything How much water do you need to drink? Why is it important? Will other fluids hydrate me? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. When you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated so drink water often and throughout the day. Ideally drink 8 ounces of water with every meal or snack. Water helps your body process the food. and eases the workload for your kidneys as it assists your metabolism. It also helps you feel fuller and this can help you to eat less. Drinking water is essential while you are exercising – even if you don’t sweat. Just one or two ounces about every 20 minutes will work for moderate exercise. The more intense the workout the more water you need. Gatorade or Powerade? Maybe, but these types of drinks are necessary only if you are sweating heavily or exercising strenuously for more than 90 consecutive minutes. Even then, your best choice is to dilute the sports drink or drink them sparingly, with most of your hydration coming from just water. When you are dehydrated your body has to work much harder. Dehydration causes your blood to thicken, which makes more work for the heart. Dehydration can make you feel hungry, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. Water is your best source for proper hydration. Other fluids can certainly help the process, just be aware that drinks with calories can quickly cause weight gain. Caffeine in a drink reduces the effectiveness of hydration.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Apr 2014 19:11:59 +0000