Mr Al Young Dot Com

I try whenever I can to take a short walk each day of about half an hour to an hour depending on the time I have.  It is a good break for me and gets me away from the house and allows me to think a bit while I get some exercise.  There are many health benefits of walking, which includes:

• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces levels of bad cholesterol
• Reduces heart attack risk
• Enhances stamina and energy
• Slims your waist
• Burns almost as many calories as jogging

In addition to the physical benefits, I also enjoy the mental benefits of a daily walk.  Unlike running which requires concentration, I can walk and think more clearly.   I can even use my outdoor office and do some business.  In fact many businesses such as Chevron encourage their employees to walk 10,000 steps a day to promote fitness among their employees and to lower healthcare costs.

In addition to all the reasons I’ve mentioned  to walk and stay active, I have another one.  Prizes.  Starting in October, my sister will be sponsoring the The Walk Challenge.  For the month of October, you can compete with other walkers to see who can walk the most.  Other aerobic activities count as well.  There will be cash prizes(small) and trophies for the most active walkers.  Hopefully, you will be motivated by being in a contest to increase your physical activity and your lifestyle.  If the prizes are not enough to motivate you, the results will be updated weekly and posted on the Challenge website for all to see.  If you lag, you may be subjected to public ridicule(in an encouraging way).

There are a few weeks left before October, so now is the time to begin training.  In order to participate, you will need the following:

• Walking shoes
• Pedometer(They range from $3 to $35.  I advise not getting the cheapest ones.  They may break and are not as accurate)
• $5 Entry Fee for the prizes

For more information on how The Walk Challenge will work, go here.  This is for the September challenge, but will give you all the information you need for the October contest.  A new site will be set up for the October challenge.  If you have any questions, please contact my sister Lisa.  Lisa, thanks for setting this up.  Hope to see you all at the October Walk Challenge, and happy walking.