Reasons to Start Walking. Walking is the most natural and most practical form of exercise. We all know that exercise is good for us but did you know that walking for 30 to 60 minutes each day is one of the best things you can do for your body, mind, and spirit?! We’ve listed here the top reasons why you should start walking today.
1. Lose weight
It’s after the weekend, and we’ve all overindulged. How many of us have spent the day on the sofa zoned out watching TV and eating sweets? It’s OK. We’ve all been there, and we all need to do this once in a while. However, now is the time to get off the couch and make a change. One of the easiest ways of losing weight and keeping it off is walking. Adding only about 2000 extra steps (about a mile) a day to your regular activities and you may never gain another pound according to Dr James O. Hill of the Centre for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Centre.
2. Health Benefits
Research has shown that getting out and walking for 30 minutes a day helps to prevent Type 2 diabetes and reduces the risk of cancer, heart failure and stroke. So get out there and get your blood moving!
3. Increase Brain Power
A study has found that walking 45 minutes a day at 16-minute mile pace increases the thinking skills of those over 60. Funded by the National Council on Ageing, this study showed people were mentally sharper after taking up this walking program. A brief walk can also get rid of mental fatigue, improve memory, and even help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Increased Endorphins
Endorphins – the bodies very own natural happy drug. We all need endorphins to feel good and boost our mood, and we can get there by walking. We often spend much of the day thinking and worrying or looking at a screen. Taking a walk is a great way to leave it all behind.
5. It’s easy!
All you need is a good pair of shoes, the right mindset. Start by trying some short walks to get you on the right foot.
6. Reduce stress
A recent study asked office workers to walk for 30 minutes during their lunch break, three times a week. The results were immediately positive. On returning to work. The participants reported being less tense and more relaxed than before they took a stroll.
7. Reduce Blood Sugar
Did you know that only three short walks a day, after each meal, are as effective at reducing blood sugar over 24 hours as a single 45-minute walk at the same moderate pace!
8. Enjoy the weather
We have such a beautiful landscape in this country and such varying weather. Why not get out there and soak it up!
9. It’s FREE!
You don’t need to pay a membership to go for a walk. The only thing it’ll cost you is a little time.
10. Improve Relationships
.This is our favourite. Couples who walk together tend to have better communication and relationships. You’re walking in the same direction after all.
