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Walking is often seen as too slow and ineffective to be a real form of exercise. But what most people don't know is that walking can actually be a great way to improve your overall health! Walking is a low-impact form of exercise that can have significant benefits for your mind and body. It's a simple and easy way to get active, and it's something you can do anywhere, anytime.
Physical benefits of walking
Walking has so many underrated physical benefits! For one, it's great for your heart health. Walking just 30 minutes a day can help lower your risk of heart disease by up to 65 percent! That's huge! Walking is also great for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity. And it's not just good for your physical health - walking has also been shown to have mental health benefits like reducing stress and improving mood.
Walking is a low-impact form of exercise, which means it's easy on your joints and muscles. It's a great way to get moving if you're not used to exercising, or if you have any injuries or chronic pain that make high-impact activities like running or jumpi
Mental benefits of walking
We all know that walking is good for our physical health, but did you know that it can also have positive effects on our mental wellbeing? Walking has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost self-esteem.
Regular walking can help to increase levels of feel-good hormones in the brain, such as serotonin and endorphins. It can also increase levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein that helps to protect and repair brain cells.
In addition to the benefits above, walking has also been shown to improve cognitive function and memory. One study found that older adults who walked for 30 minutes three times per week showed significant improvements in memory and executive function (the ability to plan, organize, and make decisions).
So next time you’re feeling down or struggling with your mental health, go for a walk – it just might help!
How to start walking regularly?
Assuming you are starting from a sedentary lifestyle, there are a few things to keep in mind when beginning a walking routine. First, start slow and gradually increase the frequency and duration of your walks. It’s important to listen to your body and not overdo it – especially if you’re not used to exercising. Secondly, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that won’t restrict your movement. And finally, find a route that is safe and appealing to you so that you can stick with it long-term.
Walking is an easy and accessible form of exercise that is often overlooked. It has many benefits, including improving cardiovascular health, strengthening bones and muscles, and reducing stress. Walking is also low-impact and can be done anywhere, making it an ideal form of exercise for all ages and abilities.
There are many easy ways to incorporate walking into your daily routine. No matter how you choose to do it, making walking a part of your regular routine can help you lead a healthier, happier life. Fitale is an app that can also help you enjoy your activity a bit more. It is a fitness based mobile game, in which your steps can be exchanged for progress in the app. You can also pledge your own daily step goals and get rewarded for reaching them. Fitale is free and you can check it out here, on the AppStore.
