Mark Fenton recently visited Asheville to talk about how the way our communities are built can impact our health. His book, The Complete Guide to Walking, is a great tool to help you get started on creating your very own walking routine. He explains that simple changes in your diet are not enough to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Exercise must be a part of the equation! He describes how to develop your personal routine in an accessible way. Here are some of his beginning suggestions:

Seeking variety will help you to maintain the activity without becoming bored and therefore giving up your exercise regimen and consequently, your goals. Building up to walking longer, whenever possible, will help you to build stamina. Building strength will enable you to tone your body and burn more calories as well as staying limber. Walking every day will rev up your metabolism and maintain any weight loss you may have.
Stretching is important for your muscles regardless of whether you exercise regularly or not. However, stretching will enable you to avoid injury and stiffness that may occur with any exercise.
Fortunately many of our neighborhoods have safe, convenient places to walk. If your neighborhood is not a comfortable place to walk, consider visiting one of our many parks

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