Did you know that these common exercises are not just for anybody?

You don’t need to run continuously for three-plus years like Forrest Gump, to gain the benefits of running. Thirty minutes a day will do. Cyndi Briggs, PhD, 37, assistant professor and Addiction Counselling Programme coordinator at Winona State University in Minnesota says she walks and runs. “There are different advantages to both. I love running because it’s harder. It challenges me to really push myself. Plus it’s efficient. Running burns around 100 calories for every mile I do, and it does wonders for my lungs.” Chiropractor Dr Gary Green, says that the human body isn’t designed to run for long distances. “A short sprint, perhaps to get the cardio up or for a variation in speed is okay, but not as a form of regular exercise,” says Dr Green. “Each time you put down your foot in the course of a run, your ankle, knee and pelvic joints and spine from the bottom right up to the neck are impacted with shockwaves of something like 200 miles an hour!” Dr Green defines the difference between the three options: “With walking, there is always one foot flat on the ground whereas when jogging or running there is at least a moment when both feet are airborne. Landing on a foot is what gives the 200-mile an hour impact.”

WHAT EXPERTS AGREE ON
The unanimous verdict is that brisk walking is best, regardless of age. First, warm up the body and take a slow walk. Then pick up speed and begin your brisk walk. Begin in short periods and increase the length, duration and intensity according to your comfort measure. Then slow down before actually stopping. If you need to drink water, just sip to keep the mouth and throat wet. When cooling down, do 10 to 15 minutes of stretching and relaxing. To sum it up, Cyndi says, “People think running is hard on the body and it can be if you run too fast and too far. But if you take it easy and gradually ease into a running programme, it’s great for the body. I swear it keeps me young. I’ve been running for almost 10 years, and I feel just great!”