Daily Walking: Keeps Arteries, Veins, and Bodies Healthy
To get the most out of this article please read part 1 and part 2 first.
Part 1: https://www.eightfoldfitness.net/blog/2020/6/10/varicose-veins
Part 2: https://www.eightfoldfitness.net/blog/2020/7/1/varicose-veins-how-to-fix-and-correct
Now is the time to reveal the best and very simple way to keep human legs and veins healthy and looking good.
The Big Reveal:
People need to walk more to keep their veins from becoming varicose veins.
This is almost a simple recipe for success. However, as I discussed in my previous article on varicose veins, walking with the wrong mechanics and without muscular effort may yield minimal or no results (and actually can lead to joint injuries). A proper foundation of strength and good walking mechanics has to be achieved before walking can be maximally effective.
Now, if we assume that someone is ready to walk (using muscles to move instead of the common controlled falling gait pattern, etc) the next question to answer would be, “How much walking time do people need to fight varicose veins?” What is interesting about this question is that most people ask this question because they want to consider the cost/ benefit ratio. Many people struggle with the question of if walking for any reason is worth the time and effort. In other words, many people want to know the minimal time/ distance they need to walk in order to “fix” their varicose veins. This reality is interesting to ponder and is at the heart of why people lose their leg health and develop varicose veins in the first place.
Humans are First and Foremost Walkers, but Modern Humans are Almost All Sedentary
Most of my clients work in front the computer. This compels them stay in the same position for 6-10 hours a day. In addition, most of my clients enjoy their free time on screens and technology which also compels them to stay in the same position. Does exercising an hour a day make someone NOT sedentary? How about two hours a day? The answer to both questions is actually NO. If someone exercises for two hours a day and still spends the rest of their day in a chair and on screens they are still in the sedentary category of people.
However, people who make an effort to exercise do get an upgraded status which is a new term called “sedentary exerciser”. This is actually a good upgrade. The 30, 60, 120 minutes that people exercise is to be commended and continued. It is literally saving their health. However, the other large portion of the day being inactive is what drives many chronic degenerative changes (like varicose veins). Having only a set exercise time is usually not enough to produce an optimally healthy body.
How Much to Walk for Better Legs and Veins
Short Answer:
Walk as much as you can and as far as you can and as long as you can.
MUCH……FAR……LONG
Long Answer:
People need to walk every day in order to stay healthy and make their veins happy. The best walking program is one that varies every day. It might look like this:
Monday: Walk 1 mile
Tuesday: Walk 5 miles
Wednesday: Walk 1/2 miles
Thursday: Walk 4 miles
Friday: Walk 1 miles
Saturday: Walk 6 miles
Sunday: Walk 3 miles
Are you too busy to walk 5, 3, or even 2 miles at a time? No problem. It is actually best to divide your movement up during the day instead of having only one large “movement meal” that you give your body. For people that are really time crunched, a 5-10 minute walk can do wonders for the body. Don’t underestimate the power of a short walk. Some amount of walking is better than none.
In addition, get creative with multi tasking. When you talk on the phone add a walk to it. Listening to a book, podcast, or the news? Walk while you listen. Technology does not have to keep you seated and indoors as much as you think. Use technology as part of a new habit of walking more.
In order to keep your legs, body, and veins functioning well and LOOKING good a lifestyle of movement and walking has to be adopted.
Want some help with your mechanics and health? Contact Jason Cornish, Medical Fitness Specialist, Personal Trainer, and Health Coach in Auburn, AL today at 402-521-0314 or email at jason.a.cornish@gmail.com.
Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor before you begin any exercise program. The content of this blog is for educational purposes only. You are responsible for the outcomes for the use, misuse, or lack of use of the information presented in this blog.