Walking is the most common activity of people, no matter what is their everyday lifestyle. This simple activity promotes tons of health benefits of walking that even a toddler can do. It is recommended that you walk 30 minutes, according to Dr. Melina B. Jampolis. There are many ways on how to do it. You can walk with a friend or a furry friend. You can hike or just go to work through walking. Doing these activities can reduce your risk of having chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Walking is for free. There is no need to spend money on a gym membership to stay fit and healthy. All you need to start your journey is a pair of good sneakers.
1. Burn Tons of Calories
You can do walking for weight loss as it can burn tons of calories and help you lose weight or maintain your ideal body weight. You need to become aware that the amount of calories that you can burn through walking depends on these factors:
- Speed of walking
- Distance
- Overall weight
- Terrain (walking on a slope)
2. Strengthen your Heart
By just walking 30 minutes every day, you are reducing the risk of having coronary heart disease by 19%, and it will increase as you accelerate the factors mentioned above. There are benefits of morning walk as you will start your day with light physical activity. This routine is one way to prepare your body for a whole day of work.
3. Lowers Blood Sugar Level
Post-meal walking is good for you in lowering the blood sugar level. You can do it 15 minutes right after eating your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Aside from lowering your sugar, it can also help you become fit and healthy.
4. Alleviate Joint pain
Many great health benefits of walking are easing joint pains by lubricating the muscles that support the joints. People suffering from arthritis and in pain can alleviate it by walking. A recent study in 2019, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine of 1,564 adults that are more than 49 years old, was asked to do a regular walk every week for one hour. Those who failed to do the task report that they experience difficulty walking, while others who are successful in their walking routine have increased mobility.
5. Walking for Improve Mood
Some people alleviate stress by drinking a glass of wine or eating a dark chocolate bar, but this can give you additional calories. Walking for weight loss will provide you with zero calories and can free you from stress. The research found out that walking can boost your nervous system and, in return, will lessen your mood swings, especially if you will walk under the sun (avoid the heat of the sun) and on greener pasture. This routine is helpful, especially during colder months when there is an increasing number of people suffering from seasonal depression.
6. Takes Away Varicose
Scientists explain a “venous system” at the calf and foot, and it is composed of veins, valves, and muscles that work by pushing blood back to the heart and lungs. By walking, you strengthen these leg muscles and promote healthy blood flow going to the heart and the lungs. Ease of swelling and muscle restlessness in your leg muscles are benefits of morning walk.
7. Boost Metabolism
Good digestion is linked to effective metabolism, and you can boost it by reaping the benefits of a morning walk. Also, walking is good for you if you are constipated as it can help you attain a regular bowel movement. As you walk, you are exercising your abdominal muscles that can lead to a healthy GI system.
