We’ve heard all this before; Walking is good for you. And it is. However, few people are aware of the benefits of taking a 30-minute walk every day. Good walking habits can have a profound impact on your physical, mental and emotional health. The human body is made for walking. Unfortunately, most people do very little. Our sedentary lifestyles leave us sitting too much and walking too little. But there’s no need to give up. Taking a 30-minute walk every day can reverse the bad effects of sitting.
The best thing about walking as part of your exercise routine is that it’s free. You don’t need to sign up for a trendy gym. Being outside is one of the best parts of walking and exercising. Another big advantage is that you can go out for a walk with family, friends, or as part of a “club” of walkers. There is more time to talk to people and get informed, something we rarely do these days. If you think walking is a waste of time, think again. Here are 30 health benefits of walking:
1. Walking is essential for your heart health
Brisk walking is a great way to exercise your heart muscle. Because walking is a cardiovascular exercise, it raises your heart rate. This is the number of times your heart beats per minute. Your heart rate at rest will be different from your heart rate during exercise. This increase in heart rate makes the heart pump faster. Heart muscles are like other body muscles: they need to be exercised.
The best way to exercise your heart is to do activities that get your heart rate up. Regular cardiovascular exercise strengthens the heart muscle. This allows you to engage in more vigorous cardiovascular activity, such as running or running. The stronger your heart is, the more able it is to handle situations that require you to work harder to supply your body with blood and oxygen.
2. Walking improves joint flexibility
Stiff joints can cause a lot of problems. They eventually lead to immobility. Stiff joints don’t stop you from walking every day. Initially, this can be a struggle because the joints cannot bend. Walking can also be a little painful. However, you should persevere, knowing that walking will give you much-needed relief in the long run.
If you have a condition that makes your joints weak or hard, you should consult your doctor for an exercise routine before starting to walk. In most cases, the doctor will advise you to walk, but warn you not to go too far. After a while, you will notice that your joints start to ache less and become more flexible. Regular exercise, such as walking, can relieve stiffness in your joints. What makes walking perfect is that it is a low-impact form of exercise that is less damaging to the joints than running.