Fitness goals- easy to make, hard to achieve. Especially for those who are not-very-interested in hitting the gym. This is where walking becomes the best option. It involves no special equipment and minimum physical activity. In fact, you will be surprised to know that even simple regular strolls can help you in so many ways. Read on to know the benefits of walking regularly.
Want to lose weight but do not want to make your body suffer too much? Oh no, there’s nothing to get embarrassed about, even I am one of those.
While “No pain, no gain” is the universal truth, there are easier alternatives for people like us who despise running or intense workouts. Walking is one of these alternatives.
Believe it or not, walking is one of the best activities for mental as well as physical fitness. From trimming your waistline to improving your health, walking can do it all. If you think it’s not possible, well then, think again.
W.A.L.K.I.N.G., the word itself defines its benefits.
Weight Control
It is pretty simple, walking can help you in burning calories, and burning calories can help you in losing and maintaining weight.
The actual amount of calories you burn is dependent on various factors including the distance covered, walking speed, your current weight, and the terrain (you will be able to burn more amount of calories on walking uphill rather than on a flat surface).
Assists you to Unwind
It is but natural that a lot of people need to unwind after a hectic day at work. I know a lot of people who plop down on their beanbags with a packet of nachos and a glass of wine after work. Perhaps you too do the same (choice of alcohol and snacks may differ, whatsoever).
But, ask yourself, is this the right way to relax? We all know the answer is a big NO. You can instead substitute this not-so-healthy diddling with a walk. This active way of relaxing may help you to release negative feelings, stressful thoughts, and bid adieu to frustrating moments.
Lung Capacity Increases
Walking also helps to increase your lung capacity. While walking, you take in more oxygen as compared to what you breathe when you’re not moving.
This exchange between carbon dioxide and oxygen at a huge volume can help in increasing the capacity of your lungs. This, in turn, helps to increase the stamina & exercise performance in our body.
Keeps Heart Healthy
The study shows, walking for at least 30 minutes a day and five days a week can help in reducing the risk for coronary heart ailments by about 20 percent. As you increase the duration or distance, you may be able to reduce the risk even more.
It has been noticed that there is a positive correlation between walking and better cardiovascular health.
Immunity to Your Immune System
Do you catch a cold or flu frequently? Then, walking can be the best cure for you. It helps to reduce the risk of catching the flu. So, no more annoying sneezes.
A survey studied 1,000 adults at the time of the flu season. It was noted that those who walked at a normal speed for 30- 45 minutes had 40 percent lesser sick days.
If they did fall sick, their symptoms were reduced. This was compared to those adults in the survey who were sedentary.
You should try to walk regularly in order to experience these advantages. If you are living in a cold climate, you can take your strolls indoors or on a treadmill.
Needs Minimum Activation Energy
Walking does not involve a lot of preparations. All you need to do is get up & walk! There is no need to change clothes and shoes (unless you are wearing your favorite stilettoes obviously). However, if you are planning to go on a power walk or brisk walk, you may want to get into your track pants and walking shoes.
You must walk periodically throughout the day. Especially those who do not have the time (or willingness) to hit the gym, should head out of their door in the morning and go on your fitness stride.
Gastrointestinal Function Improves
Drinking lots of water and maintaining good eating habits helps in improving and maintaining your gastrointestinal functions. Other than that, regular strolls also help to improve your gastrointestinal function.
The research shows that low-intensity workout has a protective role when it comes to gastrointestinal disorders. It helps in improving blood flow and motility in the gastrointestinal tract.
Quick Tip: Walking is considered to be perfect as well as an easy aerobic exercise, which offers various health benefits. You can start with normal-paced strolls and go up to 10,000 steps every day.
It is advised to do warm-up & cool-down stretches and exercises before & after the walk to protect your tissues and muscles from injuries. In case you have any serious health issues, you must consult your doctor before setting those fitness goals.
If you want better health, productivity, happiness, and of course fitness, then, Walk your way through it. Keep one foot in front of the other and you are good to go, it’s that simple.
Originally published at https://www.fuzia.com.