Physical activity really doesn’t need to be complicated. A daily brisk walk can help you live a healthier life. But the faster, farther and more often you walk, the greater the benefits. The great thing is that walking is free and one of the best ways to get active again.
Not only is walking a fantastic way to lose weight, but it’s also great for your mental health. Unfortunately, walking isn’t always the fastest way to get from A to B. But walking shouldn’t be seen as a chore. The benefits of walking for your body and mind are many. Let’s take a look at the health benefits of walking and find out why it’s perfect for your weight loss journey.
1. Walking helps reduce stress
Research has shown that walking promotes the release of brain chemicals called endorphins, which promote relaxation and improve our mood. Walking doesn’t have to be done at a brisk pace to have stress-relieving benefits. Even walking at a comfortable pace promotes relaxation.
Try walking with a friend so you can have a good chat about the difficult parts of life. Remember that stress makes us overeat, which certainly won’t help with weight loss.
2. Walking helps burn calories
- walking speed
- the distance traveled
- the place
- your weight
Get a good step tracker that also tracks calories burned. You don’t need to spend a lot of money. I love this AcclaFit Smart Watch for tracking steps, calories and more.
3. Walking can lower blood pressure
Being active can help lower blood pressure and prevent high blood pressure. This helps reduce the risk of heart problems in the future. Studies show that a 30-minute brisk walk a day can be as effective as blood pressure-lowering medication.
4. Walking can relieve joint pain
Walking can help protect joints, including your knees and hips. This is because it helps lubricate and strengthen the muscles that support the joints. Walking can also provide benefits for people living with arthritis, such as reducing pain.
5. Walking helps you discover new places
Discover new places in your area or make a list of places you’ve always wanted to visit. Enjoy new scenes, take photos and share them on social networks.
6. Walking can help overcome these tendencies
Exercise can provide some cognitive stimulation that interrupts thoughts of cravings, and the discipline of taking regular walks to curb cravings can also improve the ability to stick to healthy food choices. So if you’re craving a sweet treat or a bag of crisps, lace up and go for a walk.
7. Walking can boost immune function
Walking can actually help protect you during cold and flu season. A study of more than 1,000 men and women found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, had 43% fewer sick days than those who walked once a week or less. are training. Also, if they did get sick, it was for a shorter duration and their symptoms were milder.
8. Walking is a good example of…
As much as my kids moan, I always encourage them to walk to and from school every day. Usually the only time we go for a drive is when it’s pouring rain. This is a good example and will hopefully set them on a good path to a healthy lifestyle. My fear will always be that they will suffer with their weight like I have for the rest of my life.
9. Walking can boost your energy levels
Walking is a type of cardiovascular physical activity that increases your heart rate. It helps increase energy levels by releasing certain hormones such as endorphins and delivering oxygen throughout the body.
How often and for how long should I walk?
To reap the health benefits, try to walk as briskly as possible for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. “Rapid” means you can still talk but not sing, and you can blow slightly.
Remember that walking is a pleasure, not a chore.
- Put on headphones and listen to your favorite music or audio book.
- Ask a friend to join you
- Try new places and enjoy the view
- Walk at different times of the day so it doesn’t become a chore
- Above all, be safe, always walk in a well-lit area, have your phone fully charged, and tell someone where you’re going.