By Sally Cross, Natural Change With Sally. Natural Health, Herbal, Life & Menopause Coach.
Walking is an excellent form of exercise to improve your overall health. Walking every day has many benefits:
It aids digestion.
Improves cardiovascular and circulatory health.
Reduces cholesterol.
Improves the respiratory system.
Strengthens bones.
Reduces muscle and joint pain and stiffness.
Increases muscle strength, tone and mass.
Increases stamina.
Reduces the risk of diabetes.
Reduces high blood pressure.
Improves brain function.
Increases performance and energy levels.
Lowers stress levels.
It also gets you out in the fresh air, in nature, improves mood and helps calm the mind.
What muscular parts of the body benefit from walking?
As well as heart and lungs, walking works your leg muscles; quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal muscles, calf muscles, also the pelvic muscles, stomach muscles, arms and shoulders if you add a bit of power walking in there..
Walking with friends can add a healthy social element to your exercise, or you may prefer to walk alone at your own pace.
Walking is a low impact, weight bearing exercise that you can do anytime, any place. ideally, at least 30 minutes a day is recommend to have a significant effect on your health. This can be achieved gradually, if you aren’t very active currently. Starting with 10 minutes a day and gradually working up. Walking briskly can help burn off any excess fat and makes you feel good. You can increase the intensity by using hills to increase fitness. Add variation by taking a different route, go exploring!
To add more movement into your lives, take the stairs instead of the lift/elevator, walk to work, take a walk in your lunch-break, walk to the local shop, walk the children to school (they get to benefit too), get off the bus one stop before your destination, walk your dog or walk a neighbours dog.
I recommend walking in some comfortable, supportive footwear, ideally walking boots, shoes or quality trainers. Wear comfortable clothing. Keep well hydrated by carrying a small bottle of water for longer, more intense walks of over 30 minutes, particularly in hot weather. I would advise preloading with water before you set off and drink a glass of water on your return.
I recommend that you check with your Primary Healthcare Provider before embarking on any new form of exercise.
#Health #Lifestyle #Exercise #Life
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