Walking is one of the freest and easiest exercises one can engage in. What’s more? It provides the body with so many benefits that seem too good to be true. Being active should be one of your health goals in 2020 and walking daily is one of the best ways you can make this happen.
Find below five ways in which your body benefits from walking daily
Boosts Brain Power
There’s so much evidence out there to prove that low-aerobic exercises reduce the risk of developing brain disorders like dementia and alzheimer’s disease. It might surprise you to know that over 35 million people worldwide suffer from alzheimer’s and this number is only increasing at an alarming rate.
The good news is that those who keep an active lifestyle have a much less chance of developing this disorder than those who live sedentary lives. When you walk, your hippocampus – the part of the brain responsible for verbal memory and learning functions at optimal level. Also, walking helps to improve your overall well-being by reducing stress and releasing endorphins (feel-good hormones) in your body.
Prevents Heart Disease
It should come as no surprise that living a sedentary live can eventually lead to heart disease. On the other hand, staying active makes your heart stronger. Studies show that walking is just as effective as running when it comes to the prevention of heart disease and stroke. These activities prevent heart disease by lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation.
Toned Muscles
Who doesn’t love some firm attractive muscles in them? Thankfully, you can get toned muscles naturally by engaging in regular walks. All you need is 10,000 steps a day at a fast pace! This is just as effective as a full-blown work-out at the gym especially if you make it more intensive. It is important to maintain a healthy posture when engaging in speed walking.
Improves Digestion
Walking for about half an hour a day not only reduces the risk of getting colon cancer but also improves digestion. If you suffer from constipation, then daily walking is a good idea for you. Furthermore, walking increases the chances of surviving colon cancer.
Helps To Relieve Back Pain
Walking can be a real lifesaver for those who experience back pain. Since walking requires little effort when compared to most exercises, it won’t cause more pain but instead help to relieve the already existing pain. Walking increases blood circulations within the spinal structures and helps to improve posture.This helps to prevent back pain and reduce any symptoms that have already arisen.
Keep in mind that you must engage in frequent, intense (fast), and lengthy walks on a daily basis to see any benefits. If you can’t go for a walk every day, then try to aim for two to three times per week. You can start small (five minutes per day) and gradually add more time. Walk at a fast pace of about two to three mile per hour. If that is too intense for you, then you can set your own optimal pace. Lastly, try to aim for 30 minutes per day of walking. You can count your steps to motivate yourself as you walk.
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Remember, forming good habits is a great way to start the year. From the benefits above, it is clear that walking is one habit you should definitely include as part of your daily routine.
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