Fitness – Health Benefits of Walking

Health Benefits of Walking

Walking can help to shed calories, lift mood, control diabetes, lower blood pressure. It has enormous health benefits.

Here are health benefits of walking which can make you restart it, if you have been walking earlier.

Uplifts Mood

Walking can help to boost feel good chemicals endorphins in brain.

20 minutes of walking can provide our body with increased energy and lifted mood for as much as 12 hours.

Boosts Memory

Walking daily can improve memory and overall thinking skills. A short leisurely walk three times a week can increase size of brain’s memory hub. It is one of the first areas to be affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Let us remember to walk for a healthy mind and body.

Backward Walking Burns more Calories

Backward walking or Retro walking helps to burn more calories than traditional forward walking.

Our senses automatically become attentive to possible risks or dangers. It increases our balance, hearing skills and vision.

100 steps of backward walking is equals to approx. 1000 steps of walking forward.

Walking Controls Emotional Eating

Walking 15 mintues every day can control cravings for sugary snacks. It helps to overcome stress eating. While walking we can work through our problems and practice moving meditation.

Helps in Weight Loss

Researchers at the University of Alabama created an experiment where obese patients walked together in and around the city to their destinations. After eight weeks, more than 50% of the participants lost an average of 5 pounds.

Walking is a powerful way to burn calories and lose weight. It increases energy expenditure. It is an effective and inexpense way to burn calories.

Walking Improves Heart Health

Lot of studies suggest that walking reduces the risk of cardiovascular incident by 31%. As per American Heart Association guidelines, every adult should do moderate intensity workout (like brisk walking) for at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week. Walking helps in improving heart health.

Walking Regulates Blood Pressure

A test was conducted on 83 participants having hypertension in Japan. They walked 10,000 steps per day for 12 weeks. They showed a significant drop in blood pressure and increased stamina.

One should walk at least 30 minutes every day to keep blood pressure levels in check.

Strengthens Bones and Eases Joint Movement

Regular walking strengthens bones by improving lubrication between joints. It strengthens and tones our muscles.

Increases Lung Capacity

When we walk, we breathe in more oxygen. This helps to increase our lung capacity, stamina and exercise performance.

We can start with slow paced walking and work our way up to 10,000 steps daily. It is perfect aerobic exercise.

People with any orthopedic or other health issues, should consult their doctor before setting any fitness goals.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Jumping Rope