There’s everything to like about walking. It’s not tasking; it’s easy on the joints and doesn’t require any special training or equipment. And there’s no debate if it is good for you. Walking is very beneficial for overall well-being; from helping to lower the risk of blood clots to reduce the load of the heart, its benefits are mind-blowing.
For sure, walking is an aerobic exercise. It is a great way to maintain and improve your health. Just 30 minutes of it daily; can promote cardiovascular fitness, boost muscle power and endurance, reduce excess body fat, and strengthen your bones. Also, it can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancers.
Walking is a physical activity; therefore, it doesn’t have to be rigorous or done for lengthy periods to reap the benefits. It can be done at any time of the day and performed at your leisure. You can get out and start doing it without worrying about any risks, unlike some more rigorous forms of exercise.
If it’s been a while since you’ve exercised, then this is for you! It is fun to do and not only stroll by yourself around local neighbourhood streets. You can use various strategies, venues, and clubs to make walking a social and enjoyable part of your lifestyle.
Health benefits of walking
When you take a walk, you carry your body weight. This is why it is also known as weight-bearing exercise. Some reasons walking is good for your health are;
Improves circulation
Walking strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, wards off heart disease, and increases the heart rate. Women (in their post-menopausal stage) who walk just one to two miles daily can reduce their blood pressure by about 11 points in 24 weeks.
Lighten your mood
Walking releases endorphins – natural painkillers – that brighten the mood. This is one of the emotional benefits of the exercise. It has been proven that the more steps people take during the day, the more their moods improve.
Support your joints
Most joint cartilage has no direct blood supply. It, therefore, gets its nutrition from the joint fluid that circulates as we move. Compression and movement from walking “squish” the cartilage and deliver oxygen and nutrients into the area.
Good to note
Walking is typically a safe exercise; however, you should look for unforeseen hazards. If you’re overweight, over 40 years, or haven’t exercised in a long time, speak to a doctor for a medical check-up before resuming any new fitness program.
