Walking

Walking is a vital physical activity that can help you live a healthier life. Over a couple of years, there has been a debate on the walking benefits. According to Mayo Clinic, walking can help strengthen bones and muscles, improve your mood, reduce stroke risks, blood pressure, lose weight, control diabetes and improve your body balance and coordination.

  • Low risk of heart disease

Walking with kidWalking strengthen your heart and reduces levels of cholesterol in the body. Every day 20-30 minutes’ brisk walking works well to control the blood pressure which is one of the leading causes of strokes. Studies by the Stroke Association found that walking reduces the risk of stroke by up to 27 percent.

  • Walking improves your mood

Through walking, you can look at the beautiful scenery around which will relieve the stress. A study by the Stroke Association found out that depressed people who walk for 30-45 minutes five times a week, cut down depression. A group walk can also have a significant impact on your moods as it will help you socialize too thus enhancing your mood.

  • Walking prevents dementia

Senior citizens who walk an average of five miles or more per week are less likely to suffer from dementia. Seniors can take with them an IPod to listen to music while walking.

  • Helps you lose weight

Moderate walking for 30 minutes at a speed of 2mph can help you lose up to 90 calories. You can even lose more weight if you increase your speed. For fun, you can walk with a pet, or with a friend. Studies found that walking could combat the effect of obesity-causing genes by 50 percent. Incorporate that walk into your daily routine, and you’ll lose the weight in no time.

  • Boost in body immunity

Walking togetherWalking for 30-40 minutes will do wonders to your body immunity, over time. Studies indicate that walking would reduce the risk of getting sick by almost 40 percent. Through walking you will also get more energy, boost your blood circulation and increase the supply of oxygen to body cells making you feel alive and resistant to diseases.

  • Benefits of walking – boosts vitamin D intake

Through walking, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery while getting vitamin D. majority of the people nowadays lack vitamin D, affecting their bone density and body immune system.

I recommend that you walk for 30 minutes every day during the week and increase that during the weekends.