Being healthy is a combination of many things. Sometimes it feels like it's too much work and requires too much time to be able to make an effort towards better health and wellness. While it takes some effort, health comes down to small choices.
One of the easiest ones is staying active. Being active keeps the body and mind going and has many surprising benefits. Being active doesn't require a strenuous weights workout or a distance run but instead just a simple walk.
Call or visit AFC Lyndhurst today to learn more about living a healthy lifestyle and get more health resources today.
Sickness Defense
Walking can protect against infections like the cold and flu. Briskly walking for 30-45 minutes a day can help boost the immune system that defends against incoming infections. After getting sick with a cold, walking may also help reduce the duration of the symptoms.
Mood & Energy
Walking can help provide a boost to mood and energy. Walking helps increase oxygen flow providing a waking boost of energy throughout the body while boosting energy providing hormones. Your mental state can also benefit from walking. A walk can help lower anxiety, reduce depression and even boost self-esteem.
Burning Calories
Walking can help burn calories. Walking requires effort, and effort requires the use of calories for energy. You can create a deficit that can lead to weight loss when it isn't replaced with food by burning calories. Weight management can help protect the joints and heart. The number of calories burned can vary based on the speed, distance, and incline of the walk, as well as the weight of the walker.
Creative Time
Walking is a creative tool. Walking can help generate better and more ideas than sitting, as walking seems to allow the thought process to flow better. Perhaps this is because of increased blood and oxygen flow throughout the body while walking.
Joints
Joint pain is a common problem for many. Walking can help reduce this pain and keep joints stronger longer. Walking provides lubrication to joints such as knees and hips.
Blood Sugar
A short 15-minute walk after eating can lower blood sugar levels. Short, frequent walks throughout the day are more beneficial than one long walk when managing blood sugar. Maintaining blood sugar levels can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Strengthen the Legs
Walking can help build leg muscle. Uphill walking will produce even more muscles. These muscles can help maintain leg strength and endurance to assist in everyday activities.
Heart Happy
Walking counts as exercise, and exercise is good for the heart. Going for a walk is a low-intensity cardio activity that builds heart fitness. Walking for 30 minutes a day can be beneficial to heart health and help to prevent heart disease.
Start Now
The hardest part about going for a walk is getting started. It will take making a decision and getting out there and doing it. The only thing needed for a walk is supportive shoes. Pick an area that's safe, familiar, and comfortable to start. Starting small is also an excellent way to ensure walking continues to become a habit. If it's not easy to plan a walk or there doesn't seem to be time, then there are ways to hack your day to add walking. Parking further away from the grocery store, a child's school, or work can add extra steps into a daily routine. For more advanced walkers, get off a bus or train a stop early and walk the rest of the way to the destination.
Try It
Walking is a super beneficial exercise decision, and it not only helps you live longer, but it makes you feel better at the same time. Walking can eventually become an enjoyable habit or pastime that provides numerous benefits. Try inviting a friend to walk, or plan a walking meeting with a colleague to find someone to share the benefits and hold you accountable.
