How Nature Walks Benefit your Brain

Incorporating walking in your daily routine can offer many health and wellness benefits for your body. However, research shows that the setting in which your walk takes place can increase the benefits of your workout. 

A study which asked participants to go for walks in both urban and rural settings found that those who returned form walks in a natural or rural setting scored 20% higher when their memories and attention spans were tested. The participants who participated in an urban walk showed no major improvements in their brain functions. 

The reason for these differences is that a natural scenic route allows your mind to take a break and relax. As you walk, your brain forgets about your worries and stresses and lets your mind wander. Afterwards, your brain is able to focus and think more clearly.  Walking in the city offers little mental relaxation as your mind stays in overload mode as you try to navigate through your busy surroundings, avoiding cars, signs, and other pedestrians along your way. 

So go for a walk in nature when you have the chance, and enjoy the benefits of letting your mind and body relax. 

For more information on the benefits of nature walks, visit Discovery Health http://bit.ly/1eJpcRM

National Women’s Show Countdown: 1 Week Away!

The National Women’s Show is almost here! During November 1 to 3, you can visit the MS Walk team at booth #207 to sign up for the 2014 MS Walk and enter for a chance to win great prizes! 

If that wasn’t enough to convince you, here are 3 great reasons why you should grab a friend and visit the National Women’s show next weekend!

1. Over 450 exhibits to visit - from  food and wine sampling, fashion shows, health and wellness tips, celebrity appearances, home renovation advice and travel ideas! 
2. Check out the latest products – Be the first to try out and receive free samples for some of the hottest new health and beauty products.
3. Meet the MS Walk Team – Learn more about our great cause and keep the ultimate girl’s day going by recruiting your family and friends to sign up as a team for the 2014 MS Walk!

Grab a friend and save $5 when you purchase two tickets to make it the ultimate girl’s day out! For more information and to purchase tickets to the show, visit http://bit.ly/GFa3Fd.

4 Reasons to Join a Walking Club

Looking for a way to get fit, increase your energy and kick start your health and fitness goals? Joining a walking club is a fun and social way to get active and stay dedicated to improving your wellness. Here are 4 great reasons to join a walking club in your neighborhood!

•  Improve your overall health– Incorporating at least 30 minutes can help to improve your heart health, bone density and muscle coordination, while burning extra calories to help you lose weight.    
• Stay Committed – Studies show that 70% of individuals who begin a fitness routine quit within the first six months due to a lack of motivation. A walking club can provide individuals with peer support and increased confidence.  
• Have fun – Joining a walking club with family or friends allows you to spend quality time chatting and having fun socializing as you exercise. Joining alone can also connect you with new, like-minded people within your community.  
• Improve your mood – Research suggests that working out in a group setting releases endorphins, making exercise an enjoyable and relaxing activity. Walking in a group within pleasant surroundings also positively impacts your sleeping habits and reduces the risk of depression or anxiety.

As you continue to walk throughout the year, don’t forget to join another fun and engaging group event, the 2014 MS Walk!

For additional benefits of joining a walking club, check out http://bit.ly/HhOYRV via Canadian Living Magazine.

National Women’s Show Countdown: 2 Weeks Away!

Only 2 more weeks until we will be attending the National Women’s Show! Between November 1 and 3, you’ll find the MS Walk team at booth #207. 

Grab a friend and save $5 when you purchase two tickets to make it the ultimate girl’s day out! For more information and to purchase tickets to the show, visit http://bit.ly/GFa3Fd. 

We look forward to seeing you!

5 Common Walking Mistakes

Walkers are often surprised to learn that they are making simple mistakes, causing them injuries, wasted energy and ultimately, a lack of motivation. Here are five frequent and preventable mistakes that all walkers should be aware of before their next walk, jog or run.

1. Wearing worn out running shoes – Over time, the cushioning features in sports shoes break down, causing walkers discomfort and increased risk of injury. To avoid this problem, replace shoes when you notice any worn areas on the soles, or if you experience any displeasure during your walk.

2. Forgetting to warm up –Warming up is equally important to a walker as it is to any other athlete.  Warming up gets your blood pumping and breathing in tempo. Taking 5 minutes before your walk to do some simple warm ups such as arm, ankle and hip circles will help prepare you for your walk. 

3. Improper technique – Poor posture, over striding and head hanging are all common mistakes. To ensure a proper technique, stand up tall and straight, keeping your arms bent at 90 degrees and swinging them as you walk.

4. Skipping the cool down –Your muscles and joints need to ease out of the physical activity smoothly, or you face the risk of tightened or cramped up tendons afterwards. An effective way to avoid this problem is to take 5 minutes to do slow standing stretches such as lunges, holding each stretch for 30 seconds.

5. Not setting goals –Creating clear goals that can measure your success in steps, is key. Perhaps you want to use a pedometer as a way to track the amount of steps you take a day, with your goal being to add 10% more steps each week. Or you may want to prepare for a larger event, such as completing the 2014 Mandarin MS Walk next spring. Regardless of your ultimate goal, setting smaller goals each week will help keep you motivated and on track.

For more information and tips on how to avoid these 5 common walking mistakes, check out this article by Best Health Magazine http://bit.ly/190W6jv