Indeed, a gentle, low impact exercise that’s easy, free and available to everyone – Walking, could be very beneficial to health. It is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. Just 30 minutes every day can help increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power; to mention a few.
The good thing about walking is that unlike other exercise, it is free and does not require any special equipment, and also does not have to be vigorous or done for a long period. It can be done at any time of the day at your own pace; with a nice pair of shoe, you are good to go.
Having known some of these benefits and made researches, I would share with you some of the health benefits of this wonderful exercise.
Reduces the risk of heart disease: Walking is a great cardio exercise and helps lowers levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. A brisk 30 minutes’ walk everyday helps to prevent and control the high blood pressure that causes stroke.
Provides energy: Walking aids in boosting circulation and increases oxygen supply to every cell in your body, helping you to feel more alive.
Improves other cardiac risk factors: Like other forms of regular moderate exercise, walking improves cardiac risk factors such as blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, vascular stiffness and inflammation, and mental stress.
Reduces Body fat: A hundred or so calories a mile might not seem like much, but they can add up to better weight control. Exercise aids in burning calories fast, and walking is considered one of the best ways to do so.
Elongates life: Exercise generally aids in adding more life to people’s age. Walking aids in keeping you fit, thus eliminating numerous illness and diseases which could shorten someone’s life.
Lightens mood: Walking releases natural painkilling endorphins to the body – one of the emotional benefits of exercise.
Other health benefits include:
- Increased muscle strength and endurance.
- Walking lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Walking aids in management of joint and muscular pains or stiffness.
Whether you walk in a business suit or a sweat suit, on city streets or country roads, anything – it’s still the same left, right, left for health. It should not be a question of either/or, since every walk you take is a step toward good health.
