A 30-minute walk a day might just be better than the proverbial apple, at keeping that doctor away!
No really!
There’s a good chance that walking regularly is all your body needs to keep functioning at an optimum. Lose weight, lose the stress and lose the varicose veins; a walk a day can help you do all that and a lot more. Going for regular walks is quite possibly the best thing you can do for your own health and wellbeing.
Learn more about walking for good health.
Health specialists often recommend walking to their patients for its tremendous mental and physical benefits. Depending on your weight and the speed you’re walking at, you can quickly burn 150 calories during a half-hour walk. If you are worried about those few spoonsful of cake you had after lunch, relax. Put on your shoes and go for a walk.
Here’s what you can expect when you start walking for 30 minutes every day:
You’ll Feel More Relaxed
Walking can make you calmer. Even if you are walking through a busy city street, a pleasant walk can be meditative. To enhance the calming effects of walking, try listening to a guided walking meditation to relieve depression-related issues. In fact, research shows that walking every day helps people get over personal crises quickly and effectively.
Your Legs Will Become Toned
Walking for only 30 minutes a day will give you sexier legs. Your thighs and calves will tone up faster. To enhance the effectiveness of your walk and sculpt your booty, add some lunges, squats and other strength-training moves to your walking routine.
Interestingly enough, regularly walking can also reduce the appearance of varicose veins as well as the pain associated with this condition. But please make sure that you are wearing comfortable shoes, i.e., sneakers to prevent injury and increase blood circulation as you walk.
You’ll Experience Better Digestion
Thanksgiving isn’t the only time we indulge in heavy meals. And if that’s a regular occurrence for you, it might be a good idea to go for a walk after you are done eating. It’s not smart to plop up on the couch in front of the TV as soon as you are done eating. A walk will help you digest the meal faster, and keep your blood sugar levels stable as your digestive system works its magic.
Your Creative Juices Will Start Flowing
Yes, watching reruns of That 70s Show is always a great way to find creative inspiration. But going for a walk will help you come up with even better ideas. And that’s why it’s a good idea to bring along a notebook on your walk. You never know when inspiration might strike you as you clear your head.
Your Heart Will Become Stronger
Walking at least 30 minutes every day can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. In fact, studies show that people who walk regularly are 27% less likely to have a stroke. There are several reasons for this; walking 30 minutes every day improves blood circulation, eliminates bad cholesterol and helps increase HDL or good cholesterol.
Walking Regularly Also Prevents Dementia
Research shows that risk of dementia increases as we age. 1 in 14 people, aged 65 and above are suffering from dementia, or are at the risk of developing it. A brisk walk of 30 minutes a day can help prevent loss of brain tissue and assist memory preservation as years go by. Remember, physical activity should not stop with advancing age because it is essential to stimulate and protect brain tissue as we age.
The Last Word
Walking is one of the best exercises available out there. You don’t need any fancy gadgets to do it right. As long as you are wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, you are good for it.
So there you have it…. All the reasons you need to gear up and get out! Make 30-minute walks a part of your life. You won’t regret it.