Shoes made for walking

In this article, A New York Times travel reporter documents his search for the perfect pair of walking shoes. He’s searched for ones that are “rugged enough to handle the backcountry but stylish enough to pass muster in urbane settings”. He recommends several pairs including the ones he finds closest to perfect.

Summer-Proof Your Workout

Keep your cool when exercising outdoors with tips from fitness editor Nan Kappeler. Nan suggests dressing for warmer temps, avoiding the sun’s peak hours and hitting the pool. For more tips, read on!

Dieting and Drinking

Is your daily alcoholic drink ruining your diet? Probably not. While certain drinks are loaded with calories, there are smarter choices that actually might offer some health benefits. The key is – stop at one! Read more at US News and World Report.

Wellness Article: How much water do you need?

In July’s nutrition wellness article, WalkStyles editor Dana Denis explores the topic of drinking water. An essential nutrient, water is a surprisingly complex topic, raising questions ranging from the amount we need to where it should come from.

For Dana’s insights and tips, click here.

Walking News: Your best workout partner may be your dog!

An obesity expert and professor of medicine at Northwestern said that dogs make great workout partners in winning the battle of the bulge, according to a new Forbes article. Research has shown that it’s easier to be physically active and stick with an exercise program when you team up with a workout buddy. But unlike human partners, who might make excuses for not wanting to go for a walk or run, a dog never will.

Wellness Article: It takes discipline

In this month’s “3 P’s” article, wellness editor Ken Potalivo shares his admiration for PGA Tour players and the discipline they need to suceed. Similarly, service professionals need to be disciplined and remain motivated to reach their goals. Learn more about Ken’s thoughts on productivity, passion and purpose here.

Wellness Article: Keep moving, but avoid overexertion

Overexertion is a scary thing — something that even the fittest of the fit aren’t immune to. WalkStyles fitness editor, Nan Kappeler, discusses overexertion and how to avoid it. During the summer months when we’re more active and the weather is warm, it’s especially important to keep these things in mind.

Walking News: Walking Teams Take Manhattan

On any given day, almost half the women in the United States are on a diet. But it’s a succession of small steps that will insure the pounds come off — and stay off. New York women, who fight fat by walking in groups at lunchtime, are profiled in this article from the New York Daily News. According to the leader of one group, a big part of why the team approach is successful is the social aspect, as walking with others keeps you motivated and accountable.

Walking News: Congress plans incentives for healthy habits

The New York Times reports that one of President Obama’s eight principles for health legislation is that it must “invest in prevention and wellness”. Congress is planning to give employers sweeping new authority to reward employees for healthy behavior, including better diet, more exercise, weight loss and smoking cessation. Learn more about ICount Wellness corporate programs here!

Walking News: Walking may help prevent osteoporosis

An estimated 80 million Americans have osteoporosis, commonly called “bone-thinning disease”, and 80 percent are women. “Anything that makes bone bear weight is good for bone quality,” said the head of orthopedic spine surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. While walking cannot restore bone already lost, it can help preserve bone density, according to a spine specialist at New England Baptist Hospital. Read more in the Boston Globe!