Five health benefits of walking as exercise
What is it about walking that is so good for you? We
explore some health benefits of hitting the streets and walking towards a
better you.
We all want to be fit and healthy so that we can live our best lives. To achieve this, exercise is crucial. However, not everyone is a runner, and not everyone enjoys going to the gym.
Probably one of the most underrated forms of exercise, walking is a great way for anyone to get active. It is the best exercise to get fit without having to worry about injuries.
1. Walking strengthens the heart and lungs
The heart is the most important muscle in the body, so you have to make sure it is performing at its best. While walking helps improve your heart's performance, your lungs benefit too. The more you walk, the stronger your lungs get, with capacity and function ensuring peak oxygen supply. By strengthening these two vital organs, you reduce the risk of heart disease and the potential for a stroke.
2. Walking helps manage chronic conditions
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint and muscle issues, and diabetes are common in today's society. Medication, while necessary if prescribed by a doctor, is not the only way to manage such issues. Walking works wonders to prevent and manage disease, with numerous cases documented of people being able to stop their chronic medication after improving their physical fitness.
Remember: Everyone is different, so always consult your doctor before starting any new exercise plan, especially if you have a chronic health condition.
3. It strengthens bones and improves balance
Walking is a great way to ensure that you keep your bones strong and guard against issues such as osteoporosis. It also helps to ensure you are steady on your feet. This is important, as bad balance is a major factor in injuries that older people suffer.
4. Strengthens muscles
The more you walk, the more you tone and build the muscles in your legs and lower body. Good muscle tone gives you the ability to do more. It also helps to prevent injury to joints, because you will be steadier on your feet.
5. Helps with weight loss
If you are overweight, walking is a great introduction to exercise. It is a low-impact form of exercise, which means anyone can do it. A good diet is important in any weight-loss journey, but combining diet with walking will work wonders for your waistline.
Tip: When you start out, don't worry about how far you go, just walk for 30 minutes at a time. Once you feel comfortable walking for 30 minutes, you can start increasing your distance by walking a bit further every day.