Walking may be the least popular form of exercise. Most people don't consider walking as exercise. Well, it's certainly true that even running makes more muscles work together and with more force. But walking has important benefits. Running is more physically exhausting so people say it's a good workout. If you follow the crowd, you are definitely missing out on an incredible physical activity that also improves your mental state in a positive way.
Health Benefits of Walking
We are not going to discuss the physics of walking today as you readers may have already assumed. We will learn about the benefits of walking in this article
Be physically fit
This is an obvious benefit but hold on there is more to it. Walking helps you burn calories. Walking 7000-8000 steps regularly can burn your fat and make you slim and fit. Daily walking increases your body's metabolism rate which is very necessary for old age. You can make it more challenging and more effective by walking uphill faster. From some studies, we have found that walking can help lower your blood sugar. You can even walk after your meal. Walking can help protect your body's bony joints, such as your knees and hips. It lubricates and strengthens the muscles around the joint. It can also reduce pain by providing relief to arthritis patients. Waking up for 5-6 hours can prevent diseases like arthritis. So physically walking as exercise give very effective results.
Walking increases productivity
If you're feeling tired and looking for something to do, a walk can be the perfect solution to get some energy. It may not be effective but walking can help you increase your energy as it increases oxygen flow and levels of certain hormones like cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, etc. to give you the energy to complete your pending tasks.
Improve your mental health
Walking can improve your mental health and it will help you in many ways like it can reduce your anxiety depression and negativity. It can also improve your self-esteem. As you walk and observe nature and your surroundings, you may notice many other things that can stir your thought process in a positive way and improve your overall state of mental health. And when you walk with a specific goal in mind, this habit changes your mindset to make you more focused on your goal. Achieving goals may seem easy.
Live more
Walking more can reduce the risk of premature death and increase your life expectancy. Because it helps you to be physically fit and mentally well and it also boosts your immune system by reducing the chances of various diseases like arthritis. It also improves your breathing system so you can work out more. If you walk regularly, you will also get a good night's sleep, which is important for living a healthy lifestyle.
Get toned muscular legs
Walking can help improve your leg strength. If you walk briskly on an uphill or inclined plane, your leg muscles will be tight and strong resulting in toned legs which will increase your strength to perform interesting and physical activities.
Think more creatively
If you walk through a park or natural green area, it can help you clear your mind. And you will be able to think of more creative things. If you're stuck doing something, try taking breaks and walking. It will clear your head and help you stay physically fit.
Why best for diabetes and heart disease?
Walking lowers your blood sugar levels so it helps reduce the risk of diabetes. If you work out for at least 30 minutes a day, your risk of heart disease will decrease by about 19%. Doing more than that can further reduce the risk. Diabetes is a very common disease in our country and one of its main causes is uncontrolled diet and not enough physical activity. Simple acts like walking to the gym during breaks can reduce the risk of chronic disease. Long walks can even prevent this long-term disease. If you want to practice walking, you should walk twice a week for at least 1 hour.
Improve your digestion
If you are thinking that your tea or coffee is helping your digestive system to be strong then hold on, I have something more effective for you. Because if you walk regularly it can directly affect your bowel movements as it uses the core and abdominal muscles. We all know the importance of a healthy and muscular digestive system.
Conclusion
Suffice it to say, walking is one of the most important exercises among all hard-working, gymnasium-type exercises. Although it seems so simple, it is effective enough to maintain the fitness of the body. Walking increases the metabolism rate of the body and helps in maintaining good blood circulation throughout the body. Walking is a common health behavior that can reduce chronic disease and reduce rising healthcare costs. In every form of medicine or relaxation, walking is included as a primary component.
Amazingly, just walking can change the entire body shape to have a healthy life. Since the human body tends to get used to physical activity, even though, in modern times, we rarely exercise, walking can help us in every way. So from today, you should start walking as exercise. As we are going through a really tough time now due to the covid-19 virus and we should stay at home I would not suggest going out for a walk. Instead, take a walk on your roof or around your house for now.