Walking is an easy-to-do sport that has many benefits for people’s overall health. It may prevent certain diseases, prolong your life, increase your fitness level, and more. Read on to find out more about the health benefits of walking. (1)
Improves your Mood
Walking can be very beneficial for your mental health. Studies revealed that 30 minutes of brisk walking three days a week can reduce stress and anxiety levels, social withdrawal symptoms, depression, and negative mood. (1)
Prevents Many Diseases
Walking has proven that it can prevent many diseases. It can lower your risk of: (2)
- Heart diseases
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Osteopetrosis
- Bone fractures
- Some types of cancer
Research has even shown that brisk walking (walking at a fast pace) can offer you a prolonged life and a reduced death risk by 24%. (1)
On the other hand, walking at an average pace can extend your life and reduce your risk of death by 20% compared to walking at a slower pace. (1)
Burns Calories and Maintains a Healthy Weight
Regular walking can help reduce your body fat and improve your body’s response to insulin. If you want to get the optimum results of walking, intervals are key. (3)
For example, if you are walking for 30 minutes try to spend 25 minutes, after 3 minutes warming up, altering between one minute of walking as fast as you can and one minute of brisk walking, then cool down for 2 minutes. This will help you burn more calories than if you walk at the same moderate speed for half an hour. (3)
Improves your Night’s Sleep
Walking can reduce pain and stress, two of the main causes of sleep disturbance, helping you sleep better at night. It can also, if practiced daily as a physical activity, boost melatonin release, the sleep hormone, thus, improving the quality and length of your sleep. (3)
Boosts your immune system
Walking can be very profitable during the colder seasons; it can lower your chances of getting sick. A study of over 1,000 people, both men and women, found that those who walked at least 5 days a week for at least 20 minutes a day had 43% fewer sick days than those who walked once a week or less. (4)
In conclusion, due to its numerous benefits, walking has proven to be the closest thing to a magic bill that cures it all, so don’t be surprised if your doctor prescribes it to you instead of regular drugs. (4)
References:
(1) 10 Benefits of Walking, Plus Safety Tips and More (healthline.com)
(2) Walking for Exercise — benefits, Nordic, brisk | healthdirect
(3) 15 Health Benefits of Walking, According to Doctors and Trainers (prevention.com)
(4) 5 surprising benefits of walking – Harvard Health
Read More Articles: Click Here
