My childhood memories bring back trips in my parents’ car in the summer and hearing that song on the radio over and over again about “the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.” Growing up on the east coast of the United States, I certainly remember the “hazy” days, and certainly, all the heat and humidity can sometimes make you a little “crazy”, but it never pays to be “lazy.”

All year long, we look forward to summertime, when we have more daylight hours and more outdoor exercise time. Summer is also the best time to begin getting in shape, shedding some weight and most importantly, improving your overall health. Going outside for a daily walk, jog or bike ride is a great way to get started. But the easiest way of all to begin is by just simply walking. That’s right – just good old walking! It’s simple, it’s free; you can do it alone or with others, and you can fit it into your daily routine very easily. Its physiological and psychological benefits are practically endless. Walking is something that we take for granted. In today’s fast-paced world, most people just don’t do enough of it.

Good for Walking

Scientists have already concluded in countless studies that exercise is essential for good health and disease prevention. The simple act of walking, if done properly and regularly, can be beneficial in many ways. Brisk walking can help to prevent heart disease, Stroke, Diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, cancer and depression. It is essential for both weight control and weight loss.

How often should you walk and at what pace? The answer to this question depends upon your personal goal. For instance, if weight loss is your goal, then you should count on walking every day. If cardiovascular fitness is what you are looking for, then every other day (4 times a week) may be enough for you. Obviously, the longer and faster you can go, the more beneficial it will be, but be careful that you don’t overdo it! People who have been sedentary must start slowly and build up gradually. It is essential that before you begin a walking program, you visit your doctor for a complete medical evaluation. Once you have the approval of your physician, you can begin.

Start at a comfortable pace; walk as though you are slightly late for an appointment. Use the “talk test.” If you can’t say your name three times in a row, you are pushing too hard. You should aim for a minimum of 3.5miles per hour. For those of you who may want to work up to a power walk, you will want to eventually reach 4.5 mph or more. The recommended minimum time for walking is 30-40 minutes; however, beginners should start off slowly and build up to that amount.

Maintain good posture while you are walking and look straight ahead. Swinging your arms will increase your caloric burn greatly, but make sure your arms are going in a forward direction and not crossing in front of you. A good sturdy pair of proper walking shoes is essential and they need to be replaced about every 400-500 miles of walking. If you don’t have proper shoes or your shoes are worn out, you probably will suffer some type of injury in the lower extremities.

When most people think of exercise, they envision gyms and health clubs with lots of equipment and expense. It is thought of as strenuous and time consuming. Walking is a way to get in your exercise, spend time with a friend or family member, and it is easily fit into your daily routine. A good way to make walking part of your daily routine is to make a set time to walk with a friend or friends daily. Enjoy the company and the fresh air!

Vitamin D Benefits

One of the great benefits of outdoor exercising in the summer is that sunshine is the primary source of Vitamin D. Even in the more northern latitudes, where in the winter Vitamin D is impossible to obtain from the sun, in the summer, it is abundant.

In recent years, numerous studies have shown that having adequate amounts of Vitamin D in our bodies prevents many cancers, heart disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. In fact, the latest research seems to connect low levels of Vitamin D with a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis.

Research in the area of Vitamin D is ongoing and continues to looks very, very promising as a tool in the prevention of numerous ailments and diseases. In addition to heart disease, many cancers and immune system diseases like MS, it seems to help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, infectious diseases such as the flu and perhaps mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and depression. So it seems that a little bit of sunshine can go a long, long way.

Caution in the Sun

Because the weather is warmer now, plan to start early in the day or do your walking or jogging toward the evening hours. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your walk. Wear clothing that is lose-fitting, but covers much of your body on sunny days. Make sure to wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun and also to retain water. Most water escapes through the head. In Israel, you can take advantage of our beautiful weather where the climate is usually conducive to outdoor activity.

Although there are many other aspects to exercise that should be included in your overall program, working out in the outdoors is a great way to get started and this is the ideal time of the year for it.

Alan Freishtat is an A.C.E. CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER and a LIFESTYLE FITNESS COACH with over 14 years of professional experience. He is the co-director of the Jerusalem-based weight loss and stress reduction center Lose It! along with Linda Holtz M.Sc. and is available for private consultations, assessments and personalized workout programs. Alan also lectures and gives　seminars and　workshops.　He can be reached at 02-651-8502 or 050-555-7175, or by email at [email protected] 

Check out the Lose It! website at www.loseit.co.il. US Line:　516-568-5027