There are a lot of good reasons to go for a
walk. It’s fun, it’s relaxing, and
most important it’s good for your health. But what
exactly are the health benefits of walking? I hope this article convinces you
that heading out for a walk each day is a great idea and that it motivates you
to stick to your walking schedule until you start to see results.
Walking Gets You Outside In The Fresh Air and Sunshine
No matter how fast or slow you walk,
walking gets you outside and in the fresh air. This alone will make you feel
better as your body absorbs the oxygen and sunshine. Both are important for
your health and well-being.
You will find the air quality outside,
particularly if you go for a walk on the beach or in a park, will be much
better than the air inside your house. Of course, the sunshine outside will
help your body product all the Vitamin D it needs.
Walking Can Help You Get To And Maintain A Healthy Weight
Walking particularly at a quick pace and
doing it regularly can help you get to and then maintain a healthy weight. Yes,
you still need to watch what you eat and aim for a healthy diet, but walking
can be another tool to help you drop those extra pounds.
The nice thing about walking when you’re
overweight is that you burn a lot of calories, even on short and slow walks,
simply because you’re carrying so much weight around with you. As you start to
lose the weight, your overall strength and endurance increases, allowing you to
walk longer, further, and faster.
Walking Improves Your Sense Of Balance And Coordination
As you walk, particularly when walking over
rougher terrain, you’re also working on your sense of balance and coordination.
Just getting in the habit of going for a daily walk will help. But you can work
even more on your sense of balance by moving your head around. Turn your head
to the right and left as you walk for a count of 30. Then move your head up and
down for a count of 30. If you do these simple exercises once or twice as you
walk each day you'll get even more benefit.
Walking Strengthens Your Bones and Muscles
Even though walking is a low impact form of
exercise it helps to strengthen and tone your body. If you’re just starting
out, it is all you need to start to get into better shape. As you get more fit,
consider adding weight lifting exercises in addition to your daily walks to
continue to get stronger and help develop strong muscles and bones.
Walking Will Boost Your Mood and Fight Depression
Last but not least, the exercise of walking
releases endorphins that will help lift your mood and can even reduce
depression. Give it a try. The next time you’re feeling tired or are in a bad
mood, lace up your sneakers and go for a brisk walk. It works like a charm.
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