A short walk a day keeps the doctor away

BJC ACO wants you to know that all it takes to get started on the road to fitness is a short stroll five days a week.

While your mind might be telling you that a longer walk will equal more pounds lost, shorter walks have been shown to be all you need in the first three months of a walking program. A study of women who walked for 30 minutes five days per week showed that they lost weight at a rate similar to that of women who walked for 60 minutes five days per week. Researchers think that the greater health benefits from longer walks probably starts to kick in after 12 weeks.

So while the weather is cooling down, a short walk outside is all you need to get ready for long spring walks right around the corner.

Before starting any exercise program, it’s a good idea to check with your physician. And if you need to find a physician, call 855.747.8606.