Walking...The Why's and Where Part 2

Walking and where we walk can greatly impact the effect the health benefits your body will obtain from each walking workout session according to Dr. Glenn H. Osterweil, licensed Acupuncturist and Podiatrist at the Florida Institute of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine in Clermont Florida. 

Why is where we walk important? Well, certainly there are many choices in regards to walking surfaces. For those walkers interested in communicating with nature, a walk in a wooded area or nature path may be preferred. The benefit here is a "nature walk" may have a calming effect on our mind and since usually done on a grassy surface is more yielding to our footsteps and therefore less stress on our foot, ankle, and knee joints. In comparion,  going for a stroll around our neighborhood block especially if we are walking on a concrete surface would be less accommodative and yielding to our footsteps and put more strain on our body and if not done in a supportive and properly cushioned shoe could lead to foot, ankle or knee pain. 

So when you begin your walking program it helps to understand the effect of "where you walk" will have on your body and for patients in Clermont, Florida looking for advise and consultation regarding incorporating a walking program to improve their health, Dr. Glenn H. Osterweil, DOM, LAc, DPM of the Florida Institute of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine is happy to share his expertise in developing a personal exercise prescription for you and can be contacted at 407-900-7259 or contactus@instituteofacupuncture to schedule your appointment.