You might not think of walking when you think of exercise, however, walking comes with its own set of advantages that positively affects your physical and mental health.
If you’re finding it hard to stick to your gym membership, or always missing out on attending your favorite yoga classes, try to take up walking instead and keep your fitness in check by sticking to a walking routine every day.
The trick to staying fit is to get up and move around, and who’s to say walking doesn’t do just that? The most important step is to stay motivated and maintain the routine you set for yourself in order to kick your sedentary habits to the curb.
Benefits of Walking Every Day
Whether you take a soothing walk on the beach or go for a fun stroll at your favorite park, walking is a good form of exercise that can help you start to live a healthier life.
1. Reduces Your Sweet Tooth Cravings
Some studies show that walking for even 15 minutes a day can help you reduce your cravings for chocolate, especially when you are under extreme stress. Walking has also shown to reduce overall cravings, especially when it comes to your sweet tooth.
2. Boosts Immune Function
If your throat is feeling sore and you think you’re about to be hit with the flu, get out of bed and go for a walk instead. Individuals who walked regularly for at least 20 minutes a day were less prone to get sick as compared to those who exercised once a week or less.
3. Improves Your Mood
Since walking is a form of exercise, you benefit from the release of endorphins that keep you feeling good and boost your happiness levels. Regular exercise has shown to reduce stress and keep your mood elevated for longer periods of time.
4. Maintains Your Weight
Walking directly impacts your body’s response to insulin, therefore, walking every day can help improve your body’s reaction to insulin and even reduce stubborn belly fat. You will burn excess calories and increase your metabolism by performing this simple activity every day.
5. Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases
Research shows that physical exercise combats the risk of developing certain cancers such as breast cancer. A study has proven that women who walked regularly for seven or more hours a week had a 14% reduced risk of breast cancer compared to those women who walked for three hours or less.
Regular walks can also keep your blood sugar levels in check, therefore, reducing your risk of developing diabetes.
6. Tone Your Legs
Switch up your regular walking routine and climb a hill or perform a few lunges on the way. Not only will you benefit from a change in your walking environment, but the added challenges will keep you motivated and leave you with a pair of perfectly toned legs.
7. It’s Easy and Free
You don’t need a membership nor do you have to pay a fee to go walking. Step outside your house and venture out to get your steps in.
Don’t forget to drink lots of water to stay hydrated and slap on some natural sunscreen to protect your skin.
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). 5 surprising benefits of walking. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking
4 Walking Tricks To Firm Your Thighs Faster. (2016, January 29). Retrieved from https://www.prevention.com/fitness/4-walking-tricks-to-firm-your-thighs-faster
Walk your way to fitness. (2016, March 19). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20046261
7 Incredible Results You’ll Get From Walking 30 Minutes A Day. (2018, January 11). Retrieved from https://www.prevention.com/fitness/benefits-walking-every-day
