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Walking is perhaps the simplest form exercise and it costs nothing, not even a gym registration fee! This simple activity that can be done anywhere and anytime you want to, has so much amazing health benefits that Will make your jaw drop and we are not talking about weight loss and leg muscles alone!
Checkout some of the ways walking can improve your health below.
Reduce heart disease
Reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by walking regularly. It’s great cardio exercise, lowering levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. The Stroke Association says that a brisk 30-minute walk every day helps to prevent and control the high blood pressure that causes strokes, reducing the risk by up to 27 percent.
Walking lowers disease risk
A regular walking habit slashes the risk of type 2 diabetes by around 60 percent, and you’re 20 percent less likely to develop cancer of the colon, breast or womb with an active hobby such as walking. Walking prevents type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program showed that walking 150 minutes per week and losing just 7% of your body weight (12-15 pounds) can reduce your risk of diabetes by 58%.
Walking is good for your bones
Research shows that post menopausal women who walk approximately one mile each day have higher whole-body bone density than women who walk shorter distances, and walking is also effective in slowing the rate of bone loss from the legs.
Walking helps alleviate symptoms of depression
Walking for 30 minutes, three to five times per week can reduced symptoms of depression. Studies show that a brisk walk is just as effective as antidepressants in mild to moderate cases of depression, releasing feel-good endorphins while reducing stress and anxiety.
Walking improves fitness
Walking just three times a week for 30 minutes can significantly increase cardiorespiratory fitness.
Walking aids weight loss
You’ll burn around 75 calories simply by walking at 2mph for 30 minutes. So, work that short walk into your daily routine and you’ll shed the pounds in no time.
Walking tones up legs, bums and tums
Give definition to calves, quads and hamstrings while lifting your glutes (bum muscles) with a good, regular walk. Pay attention to your posture and you’ll also tone your abs and waist.
Walking boosts vitamin D
We all need to get outside more. For Many people who are vitamin D deficient, Walking is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while letting sunshine fix your vitamin D issue.
Walking gives you energy
You’ll get more done with more energy, and a brisk walk is one of the best natural energisers around. It boosts circulation and increases oxygen supply to every cell in your body, helping you to feel more alert and alive. Try walking on your lunch break to achieve more in the afternoon.
People with arthritis can do it without much pain
Arthritis patients have it tough on the exercise front. They won’t get any better avoiding exercise, but exercise tends to hurt. Walking is gentle when done easily, particularly if you perform it with proper form.
It’s good for your brain.
Walking does much more than work the area underneath your neck. It also has extensive cognitive benefits, improving memory in elderly people’s cognitive control and academic performance in preadolescents.
Yep! It’s time you got your running shoes out of the rack!!
