Walking. What a simple concept. We do it everywhere, all the time but how much of it are we actually doing? Something commonly taken for granted and with a large portion of sedentary jobs and a burgeoning digital entrepreneur age, finding ways to move around and get the blood flowing is so vital in preventing physical degradation or disease.
If you’ve been putting off exercise or you feel with your schedule any kind of physical activity is the equivalent to trekking the Everest Base Camp in Nepal, we are here to assure you, it’s not that hard.
Walking is man’s best medicineHippocrates
Here is a no excuses list to get you started.
- If you can’t make it to the gym. Walk
- If you travel, when you travel, become a local. Walk.
- If you drive. Drive less. Walk more.
- If you have free time. Turn off the TV and instead. Walk.
- If you have a date. Take a walk.
- If you can’t find a way to meditate. Walk.
- If you’ve sat for too long. Walk.
- If you’re trying to come up with an idea or solution. Walk.
Walking is by far, one of the simplest, easiest and effective forms of exercise. Not a fan of jogging or running? Taking regular brisk or even power walks can prove to have immense and powerful benefits beyond the physical.
Power-walking–keeping a brisk pace at moderate to high intensity can burn the same amount of calories as jogging or running are useful for helping with weight loss. –Dr. Craig Williams (sports science lecturer at the University of Exeter)
Physical Benefits of Walking
- Muscle strength
- Endurance
- Good for bones and joints
- Healthy blood flow
- Boosts circulation
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Improve balance and coordination
- Lowers your blood sugar levels and overall risk for diabetes
Psychological Benefits of Walking
- Serotonin release with sunlight + fresh air
- Elevates mood + mental well-being
- Social exercise
- Can get you unstuck
The very act of walking is low impact, found to activate the anti-aging process and help repair tissue. Whether you partner up for a social affair or walk alone for quiet time and reflection, either one will provide a heightened sense of well-being or can be very therapeutic.
With less risk of injury, walking will help your lower legs drain any excess fluid or prevent varicose veins from forming allowing your body to cleanse in multiple ways. More consistent than running, when you walk often you can impede back strain, improve your posture and will eliminate pressure from always sitting. Cardiovascular exercise strengthens the heart and lungs increasing overall fitness and superior health.
The daily recommended amount of walking to reap any kind of positive benefits is about 30 minutes a day.
[bctt tweet=”If you want to add seven years to your lifespan, set aside 20-25 minutes for a daily walk” –Dr. Mercola ” username=”fmenthusiast”]
If you have a more bohemian soul and have been truly craving a connection with the world and nature like we do, try barefoot walking either on grass, sandy beaches or even in your backyard. Take it from us. There is something so natural about touching the earth with your bare skin, especially the bottoms of your feet. The benefits have been said to improve a number of health conditions and protect from inflammation.
Walking is the perfect cardio and an excellent introduction when starting any diet program. But combine a good diet program like The 2 Week Diet and it could skyrocket results being tremendously effective with weight loss and muscle tone getting you closer to any exercise goal you’ve been putting off.
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