Walking wonders: Unlocking the power of every step
Author: Kari Jackson
Walking is a very important aspect of exercise, and you can do it anywhere! There are amazing health benefits, it’s fun, and it is a great way to get outside. Research shows that by walking at least 30 minutes a day, you could burn about 150 calories more. Not only is it a great way to help maintain weight, but there are numerous other benefits, so let’s dive in!
Joint health:
Walking is a great way to help strengthen muscles, which in turn helps to take pressure off the joints. When the leg muscles are stronger, they absorb the shock more and lessen unwanted straining and stress. By walking regularly, it helps to compress the cartilage in the knees, which allows for synovial fluid to circulate. What is synovial fluid you may ask? Synovial fluid helps to transport oxygen as well as nourish the joints. By sticking to a routine, this fluid will be regulated more easily and help to maintain healthier joints. This can ease the symptoms of arthritis and lessen pain. Studies have also found that walking five to six miles a week could prevent arthritis from occurring to begin with.
Improved mood:
If you like to go on walks, you more than likely know how they can change your mood for the better. Walking is a great way to help reduce stress and it allows for time to reflect and meditate. When walking, endorphins and adrenaline are released and this leads to a better mood. It can also be a good source of fun! Listening to podcasts, music, or talking with friends are all ways to make walking more enjoyable. Changing up the location is also a good way to keep things interesting. Pets are great motivators for walking. You have a built-in walking buddy and you both can get engaging outdoor time.
Heart health:
The heart is one of the most important organs in the body and walking is a great way to strengthen that! There are great benefits walking has on the heart such as lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease, decreasing blood sugar levels, improving lipid levels, and it helps with weight loss. Weight loss is good for the heart because it reduces the amount of strain the heart goes through.
The main thing to remember is to try and walk at least once within the day. Aim for thirty minutes and it will help improve your body. These thirty minutes don’t have to be all at once either. As long as you are getting up and moving, it is beneficial. It is also important to stretch and make sure you are taking care of your body. Preparation and recovery are important parts of staying healthy, so make sure to include those aspects in your walking journey. A great tip to get started is to follow a walking schedule. There are many different online walking schedules to choose from. These help with pacing and staying on track. Getting into a new habit can be hard, but by sticking with it, you are sure to feel amazing.