The Benefits of Walking Everyday
The Benefits of Walking Everyday
Can you walk your way to better health, better mood, and even a better waistline? Yes, it’s possible!
Our bodies are made for walking. Walking is so easy that even a toddler can do it!
Placing one foot in front of the other can lead to some impressive mental and physical benefits.
The HSE recommends to fit walking into our daily routine through its “Steps to Health Challenge”, and there is no shortage of scientific research to back up the effectiveness of adding walking to your daily routine.
Walking for Health
According to one American study, walking is the most popular aerobic activity and has one of the lowest injury rates of any form of exercise.
Whether you walk alone; you pair up with a friend; you are pregnant, fit or overweight – walking will benefit you on many levels.
And don’t worry if you’re not very active. Start walking and increase your distance or rhythm gradually.
Walking is a proven mood booster. It strengthens your bones and muscles and prevents various health conditions.
Ireland has some of the best walking and hiking trails in the world, so go out, find your next walk and reap some fantastic benefits while soaking in a bit of sunlight.
Here's our list of benefits of a regular walk:
- Walking is appropriate for all fitness levels
- Improves your mood
- Increases energy levels
- Helps to maintain a healthy weight
- Improves cardiac health
- Strengthens your bones and boosts muscle power
- Tones up your legs
- Reduces risk of osteoporosis
- Fights depression
- Improves your balance
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves endurance
- Enables you to feel connected (when you make your walks social)
- Helps you burn calories
- Can help relieve symptoms of anxiety
- Alleviates joint pain
- Better night’s sleep
- It requires less gear than any other activity (make sure to have comfortable walking shoes, though!)
- Boosts your vitamin D
- Keeps your lungs healthy
- Boosts your metabolism
Make every day walking part of your daily life and walk your steps to better health. Everyone has their reasons for walking. Set your own goals – be it a daily stretch to counteract sitting all day or tone up your legs and stomach.
Turn a simple walk into a fast interval session, burning a high level of calories, if you feel like it, or enjoy a slow brisk walk to the shop and back. Walking is simple and natural; it’s inexpensive, and it can make you happy, healthy and more creative!
Sources:
https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/why-being-active-helps-your-health.html
