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Physical exercise, carried out on a consistent and frequent basis, is a very important factor in raising health and fitness levels and lowering the risk of - or avoiding - many health problems and diseases. Most of us are aware of this - but it can be difficult to find the motivation to take regular exercise. Aside from the fact that many people will perceive exercise as physically draining, dull and expensive (gym membership fees cost a lot of money), it can also be difficult to find the time for exercise in your busy and demanding daily schedule.

Walking is a form of exercise that is carried out by most people on a daily basis. It is a very important factor in determining the general health and fitness level of any particular individual. It walking is carried out on a regular basis, then it can deliver a great many health benefits. It has the potential to lower blood pressure and to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. It will help to combat both depression and anxiety. Walking will help you to sleep better, and you will have more energy and feel less fatigued during the day. It can reduce the probability of contracting certain forms of cancer. It will help you lose weight and build muscle.

There's no need for any special equipment to start walking - all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes. You can also fit walking into your daily routine whenever it's most convenient for you. If you can walk for half an hour a day, 3 or 4 times weekly, then you will quickly begin to see - and feel - the benefits. If you can slowly work up to 10,000 steps daily - the equivalent of 5 miles for most people - you will really see a difference. You will look better and feel better.

If, after slowly increasing the time and distance that you walk for each day, you feel that you might like to get a little extra from your walking workout, then you could consider Nordic walking. Nordic walking is a relatively recent innovation which was started in Finland by skiers who needed a method of keeping their fitness level up during the summer and a way to get ready for the winter skiing season. Basically it's walking with modified ski poles. It's just like skiing - but minus the skis (and the snow).

Nordic walking has two main added advantages compared to normal walking. Firstly, it makes more use of the upper body, encouraging the use of muscles which would not be engaged whilst walking normally. Secondly, it decreases the amount of load on lower body muscles and joints.

These two factors provide even further benefits when compared to "standard" walking. Energy expenditure is increased by between 20 and 40%. Increased motion in the upper body whilst walking promotes flexibility and agility. Reduced loading in the lower body results in less stress in the lower body joints and muscles. For some walkers, the use of poles may be safer, and this may allow even those recovering from injury or illness to take part in a higher intensity workout than would otherwise be possible.

Whether you decide to choose Nordic or conventional walking, the health benefits on offer for you are considerable. If you haven't exercised for some time, or if you have any medical conditions, do seek your doctor's advice before you start any new exercise program. However, as long as you apply a little common sense and start slowly, building up over time, then you should soon see some very real benefits as a result of a walking workout regime.

Discover how Fitflops exercise shoes can boost the effectiveness of your walking workout. They are specially engineered to increase the amount of work done by the lower body muscles whilst walking. Both women's and men's Fitflops are available in a wide range of colors and styles.