Why Walking Could Work For You
Walking is a gentle, low-impact cardio exercise that can ease you into a higher level of fitness and health. It’s safe and simple. Regular brisk walking can provide many of the same benefits as more vigorous exercises, such as jogging. For example, just 21 minutes of walking a day can reduce your risk of heart attack by 30%. Walking burns calories and trims the waistline, but it’s also important for your lymphatic and immune systems.
Walking for fitness can help you:
Control your blood pressure.
Lose or maintain weight.
Improve balance and coordination.
Increase core strength.
Manage stress and improve mood by releasing endorphins.
Manage your diabetes.
Reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Stay strong and active.
Walking also has been shown to:
Improve sleep.
Slow mental decline.
Lower the risk of dementia.
Reduce the risk of some cancers.
Help you lead a longer life.
Maintain independent living into older age.
According to some estimates, it could save Americans over $100 billion per year in healthcare costs. On a community level, it’s been shown that more people walking lowers crime rates and improves the local economy.
To maintain or take this healthy habit to the next level, try these tips:
- Walk with family or friends.
- Invite others. Not only will they help keep you accountable, but they’ll also reap the benefits of a walking program. No humans available? Bring the dog or cat.
- Be consistent.
To help your walk become a habit, build it into your daily routine. Maybe it becomes part of your lunch break or something to do after dinner. Add your walk to your calendar, just as you do with other appointments. There will be days when you may need to adjust your walking schedule, but keep it as consistent as possible.
Source: Mayo Clinic
