Health Benefits of Walking

Some of the health benefits of walking include good physical and mental health, protection from heartailments, diabetes, cancer, and other types of chronic conditions. Further studies show that walking increases bone mineral density and prevents the condition of osteoporosis. It reduces the risk of colon cancerand arthritis.

A walk is a wonderful form of exercise for the body. This workout doesn’t cost you anything and it can fit into everyone’s lifestyle. However busy you may be; a brisk walk around your place of work or at home can prove to be a highly beneficial exercise.

The health benefits of walking include an overall improvement of your health and a reduction in excessive body weight.  According to the US Dept of Health, walking has helped to reduce the mortality rate amongst various age groups.

Health Benefits of Walking

Walking is a mandatory exercise for human beings. The more you walk, the better it is for your well-being. Some of the various health benefits of walking are as follows:

Weight Control

A short brisk-paced walk is all that you need to reduce your excess calories and fats. Walking aids in balancing the excess calories gained through eating. A one-mile walk can burn up almost 100 calories of energy.  Therefore, walking at least 3 to 4 km in a day, 3 times a week, can make you slimmer by a whole pound.

Fitness

Daily walking can keep you fit and healthy for a long time. It aids the normal functioning of cardio-respiratory organs and considerably increases your body’s power. Regular brisk walking for 30 minutes a day can help you stay slim and in robust health. Brisk walking is the ultimate option, but it should not overexert you; you can build up to faster paces as you become used to the consistent exercise.

Mental Fitness

We all know that walking does wonders for the physical body. What about mental well-being? Walking is also beneficial for your mental attitude as well. It elevates your mood, reduces depression, and lowers stresslevels, in addition to improving your confidence and self esteem.

Group walks or with friends helps you maintain good social contacts. A walk through good, lush greenery would definitely lift your spirits and keep you fresh all day long.

All Around Benefits

Medical research and studies indicate that walking lowers high blood pressure and high cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of strokes and other heart-related problems. Walking is best for mental fitness and assists in flexible weight control. Walking is good for increasing bone density and preventing chronic osteoporosis. It also restricts other illnesses and boosts the immunity of the human body.

A good walk makes you sweat and releases toxic waste from the body, making your skin glow with health and vitality and clearing out your system of unhealthy components.

Walking to Stay Fit

Walkers are less prone to falls and bone injuries, as their bones are strong and can sustain injuries. They have a more flexible body and good muscular movements, providing them with better balance and general abilities. Adults who remain physically active and do brisk walking in their early 50s have a reduced risk of heart problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Also, women regularly going for walks are less prone to heart diseases and diabetes, as recommended by the British Medical Journal.