Warm temperatures, sunshine, summery breezes just incite you to start something active outside. Maybe that walking program you were thinking about all winter.

Well here is a beginning-walking program you can follow to help you along.

First we will start with some pointers:

• Don’t use a 6-lane highway as you’re walking path. Try to find a safe area to walk if you can.
• Use a pair of comfortable shoes preferably with a cushioned sole. Better yet, if you are serious about walking, buy yourself a topnotch pair of walking shoes.
• Start gradually with your walking to avoid getting super stiff and sore. Give your muscles a change to get use to it.
• Use some light stretching after you are done walking to help bring back some elasticity back into your muscles.
• If it is hot outside make sure to drink enough water to keep hydrated.
• Walk with good posture by keeping your head up and shoulders back and not slouched ahead.
• To reduce getting hit by a car try not wearing headphones.
• Wear clothing you feel comfortable walking in. Preferably bright upper body clothing if you walk along more heavily traveled roads

A Beginning Schedule: This is an 8-week beginner’s schedule. By the 8th week your total time will be 30 minutes. When you get done with each week you can progress to the next level. Each walking session starts with a 5-minute warm-up.

The aerobic stage starts by increasing the walking speed. A rule of thumb to judge if you are going fast enough is you find yourself swinging your arms with each stride. Next slow down to relax your body and cool off for 5 minutes. If you think you are not ready to progress to the next week, stay at the same level until you feel you are ready.

Week One: Warm up 5 minutes, aerobic stage 5 minutes, Cool down 5 minutes

Week Two: Warm up 5 minutes, aerobic stage 7 minutes, Cool down 5 minutes

Week Three: Warm up 5 minutes, aerobic stage 9 minutes, Cool down 5 minutes

Week Four: Warm up 5 minutes, aerobic stage 11 minutes, Cool down 5 minutes

Week Five: Warm up 5 minutes, aerobic stage 13 minutes, Cool down 5 minutes

Week Six: Warm up 5 minutes, aerobic stage 15 minutes, Cool  down 5 minutes

Week Seven: Warm up 5 minutes, aerobic stage 18 minutes, Cool down 5 minutes

Week Eight: Warm up 5 minutes, aerobic stage 20 minutes, Cool down 5 minutes

After week eight; Congratulations. You are ready to move up to the advanced level. Your next goal is eventually 30 minutes at aerobic stage.

Jeopardizing your health is the last thing Nature Boy wants. Please check with your doctor before starting a walking program. We want to make this a healthy start to a better lifestyle.

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