3 Health Benefits of Walking
Exercise benefits health. Regular walking has many benefits, including increased cardiovascular health, reduced weight, and enhanced well-being.
Everyone knows some of the healthy benefits of exercise. But do you know some of the amazing ways regular walking exercise can improve overall health? The health benefits can include: stress reduction, weight loss, lower blood pressure, improved mood. But there are so many more health benefits from walking. Let’s look at a few of the ways regular walking can increase cardiovascular health, reduce weight, and enhance well-being.
Regular Walking Improves Cardiovascular Health
Getting your body up and moving will increased cardiovascular and pulmonary (heart and lung) fitness. The modern sedentary lifestyle is partially responsible for the increase in so many diseases, especially cardiovascular and pulmonary illnesses. Regular walking can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. The heart is a muscle and as such it can be strengthened through proper exercises. People suffering from high blood pressure can lower their levels through regular walking, This is especially true in a natural setting where the fresh air and soothing scenery relieves stress which in turn lowers blood pressure. Find a lovely place to walk, even if it is in your own backyard. One strong-hearted WWII veteran offered hope and good cheer to the world this summer. 100 year old Captain Tom Moore knighted by The Queen for raising money for charity by walking in his backyard. The fundraising hero walked 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday, he originally wanted to raise just £1000 for charity. He ended up raising over £32m for NHS charities.
Regular Walking Helps Reduce Weight
Research has demonstrated that taking a walk regularly will aid in any weight management program. Although a thirty minute walk only burns around 150 calories, walking will increase an individual’s metabolism. Regular walking also helps the body respond to insulin which can help reduce stubborn belly fat and body fat overall. Walking is a fantastic way for overweight people to get back into the swing of exercise. The pace does not have to be brisk to enjoy the benefits. And there is no need for an expensive gym membership or bulky exercise equipment. It is not necessary to set a goal of a certain distance, number of steps or to establish a fast pace at first. Work your way up to numerical goals. Just get walking. The best part is you can start today.
Regular Walking Enhances Well-being
Regular walking has been shown to actually change the nervous system. Walking in nature is especially beneficial for reducing stress and increasing positive well-being. Interacting with nature improves cognition and affect for individuals with depression. National Institute of Health. If you suffer from seasonal depression, getting out for a walk in nature will have a very positive impact on your mood. Regular walking can boost your overall creativity which in turn increases self-realization. According to a study published by the American Psychological Association: Four experiments demonstrate that walking boosts creative ideation in real time and shortly after. You don’t have to wait for sunny days to brighten your spirit. Get outside and get in touch with nature and improve your peace of mind.
This post is the first in a series about the health benefits gained through regular exercise walking in nature. For many months I have been discovering the vast benefits of regular walking to my physical, mental and spiritual health. One thing the covid-19 pandemic has made crystal clear is we all have to strengthen our immune systems and find ways to shine a positive light into the world around us. It’s as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. It doesn’t have to be anything too elaborate. Have fun. Enjoy your walk.
