Wellness Tips: Let’s Get Walking

Live Healthy Iowa offers 5 ways to step from summer into fall.

By Ann Thelen

Staying active is one of the best ways to keep a body strong and healthy. Research shows that walking 150 minutes a week can boost emotional and physical well-being. Plus, moving more frequently can help you think better, feel better and sleep better.

When it comes to walking, Iowa offers picturesque landscapes for dwellers in cities, suburbs and rural areas. Taking small steps by walking more in tandem with everyday activities can add up to big benefits.

As summer turns to fall, Live Healthy Iowa shares five easy tips for walking your way to better health.

1. Take in the Trails.

In every season, Iowa's natural beauty is in full display at Iowa’s state parks. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation offers a webbased application to identify and map trails maintained in Iowa’s state parks. With the app, users can identify trail name, acceptable trail use and distance. Visit iowabytrail.com.

2. Beautify Your Community.

Keeping Iowa beautiful has never been easier. From parks to neighborhoods to gathering places, sprucing up a community inspires involvement, leadership and exercise while building pride where you live.

3. Talk and Walk.

Even if you’re feeling stuck on conference calls most of the day, you don’t have to be stuck in a chair. Make it a habit to walk and talk (safely, of course!) to burn calories while you earn.

4. Sport a New Routine

Whether it’s going to the grocery store or a sporting event, making it a habit to park farther away increases steps with each trip. Or, instead of driving to a nearby restaurant for lunch or dinner, lace up those tennis shoes and get walking. Having dessert will feel a little more guilt-free when walking it off on the way back to the office or home.

5. Catch up with the Kids.

Looking for ways to reduce screen time? Take a family walk! It’s the perfect way to catch up on the day’s activities with teenagers or encourage youngsters to develop healthy habits. Plus, the combination of fresh air and exercise is the perfect recipe for winding down after a busy day.

To view the full spread, view this magazine in your internet browser on your phone, tablet or desktop.