The Many Benefits of Walking
It’s a beautiful spring day, and you have half an hour with no plans—what should you do? At Goldsmith Podiatry, we’d suggest taking a walk. It’s been a long year with many of our Manhattan patients stuck in lockdown at home for months on end. That’s left many of us with the “quarantine 15” and a significant drop in our fitness level. Walking is a great way to start to reverse that trend!
Why Walk?
For starters, walking requires no special preparation. Simply put on your walking shoes or sneakers (more on that in a moment) and go. Other advantages:
You can walk indoors or outside.
You can go solo or with a friend or two.
Regular walking can help with weight loss or maintenance.
Walking improves circulation, reduces blood pressure, and can lower blood sugar—decreasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes
The endorphin boost you get from walking can clear your head and improve your mood.
The Only Equipment You Need
You will need to invest in one item for a successful and comfortable walking program: a good pair of shoes. If you don’t have any chronic foot problems such as flat feet or bunions, pretty much any well-made pair of sneakers or athletic shoes that fit correctly will work. A few tips to consider:
If you currently have any foot pain or disorders, it’s best to arrange an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia at our Upper West Side office by calling (212) 877-1002. The foot doctor will want to check on the condition of your feet and make recommendations about shoe features that will best accommodate your unique feet.
Shop late in the day when feet are their most swollen.
Get both of your feet measured professionally.
Shop at a store that specializes in athletic footwear for a greater selection and knowledgeable staff.
Wear the socks you will use for walking when shopping.
Try on both shoes and walk around the store for a while to make sure they are comfortable.
Start gradually, especially if you’ve been inactive for a while. If you start to develop any pain or uncomfortable symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us.