Walking Best Way To Keep Trim And Healthy
Sun Herald
Sunday November 16, 1997
REGULAR moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, can be more beneficial in the long term than short, intensive bursts of exercise once or twice a week.
"There is a misconception that engaging in vigorous, aerobic-style exercise is the only way to feel fit and healthy," said Jane Seberry, physical activity co-ordinator of the National Heart Foundation.
"You can reap the benefits of a 30-minute aerobic class by simply walking for 10 minutes three times a day."
As part of this attitude to fitness, the National Heart Foundation has launched the Just Walk It program, which encourages community groups to organise walking clubs.
"Walking an extra bus stop before work, walking around the block at lunch time or taking the stairs instead of the lift are just some of the ways you can incorporate walking into your daily routine," Ms Seberry said.
Georgina Kelly, business manager with the Fitness Industry Association, which trains fitness instructors, said even gym workouts had changed.
"Aerobic routines used to be over-choreographed, and strenuous, and people found it difficult to keepupwith high-impact (both feet off the ground) routines," she said.
"Exercise now is about a return to the basics."
Ms Kelly said return-to-basics aerobic workouts incorporated continuous low impact activity - such as walking - with some gyms setting up walking clubs.
"Recent studies have shown that continuous low impact activitysuch as walking does more to reduce fat than the popular workouts of the 80s," she said.
But what has become of the "no strain, no gain" philosophy instructors would smugly preach while their pupils struggled to hold that stretch an extra second?
"We're trying to move away from that idea," Ms Kelly said.
But for people with a higher level of fitness, a greater level of exertion is necessary and high-impact classes can be beneficial.
For information on walking clubs, phone the National Heart Foundation on (02) 9219 2444.
© 1997 Sun Herald