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Walking offers a lot of benefits. You can walk almost anywhere and at any time, and it’s simple to do. It doesn’t take much to get started: just a pair of good walking shoes, and you’re good to go.
Here are some of the benefits of walking for your physical and mental health:
The Benefits of Walking to Your Physical Health
Calorie Burning
Like other forms of exercise, walking helps to burn calories. A study showed that those who walked fast burned an average of 90 calories per mile – much more than the number of calories burned by running (around 23 more calories per mile).
Boosting the immune system and the heart
While walking, your cardiovascular system works harder, which means your heart is strong enough to push blood carrying oxygen to your whole body. Immune boosting
Meanwhile, you will also boost your immunity from common illnesses like colds when you get your blood pumping and your cardiovascular system working by walking.
Strengthening the bones and muscles
Starting at around age 30, muscles strength and bone mineral density naturally begin to diminish. These changes increase your risk of falls, fractures, and conditions like osteoporosis. However, regular walking has been shown to enhance bone density in the hip, femoral neck region, and muscles all over your body. This result is significant for older adults and people who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Increasing your lungs capacity
When you walk briskly, you will build lung capacity as your breathing is elevated. Normally, you will see a complete improvement after about six to eight weeks of cardiovascular exercise.
Blood Sugar Control
A walk can be highly beneficial for people with high blood sugar, as it helps burn off the additional sugar in their blood. Although it is not a cure for type 1 diabetes, it can help people with type 2 diabetes tremendously, and it can lower insulin requirements in people with type 1.
Pain Relief for Joints
A common symptom of aging is joint pain caused by arthritis. While it might seem counter-intuitive to keep moving despite the pain, movement is essential in reducing arthritis pain. Due to arthritis, lack of exercise leads to the building up of scar tissue in the joints, so walking slowly and patiently can help relieve joint pain.
Balance and Coordination Improvement
Your body works better for you if you use it more. As you get used to standing upright and moving more often by walking, your balance and coordination will improve. You can only get stronger by practicing frequently and getting your muscles and ligaments to work well together.
The Benefit of Walking to Mental Health
Positive Effects on Your Mood
An outdoor walk in the beautiful natural world can significantly improve your mood and mental well-being. A leisurely walk in nature can lift your mood when you are feeling low. If you feel stressed, go for a brisk walk (even on a treadmill) to burn that extra energy.
Moreover, energy makes energy. Whenever you feel tired for no reason, try going for a fast, ten-minute walk, and you’ll find that you have more power.
Boosting Your Creativity
A person who exercises regularly has better memory and mental function throughout their lifespan. Researchers have confirmed that walking awakens creative ability. In one study, creative output was 60 percent higher when the researchers walked. So, next time if you want to brainstorm some ideas for something you’re working on, go for a walk in nature (or use the treadmill) and let the inspiration flow.
Final Thought
Walking makes it the perfect exercise for anyone looking to get healthier and improve their lives in every aspect. So, when are you going to start your walking program?
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