Walking is a great but under-appreciated form of exercise. It is not only is it good for your general health, its easy on the joints, it’s free and easy to incorporate into a busy schedule!
- Weight loss
Taking one step uses over 200 muscles, walking 2 miles per day, 3 times per week can reduce weight and help improve overall fitness. Power walking can burn the same number of calories as running!
- Toning up
Walking, especially if you walk up and down steps or hills tones your glutes, quads and calves. Make sure you stand tall and pulling your stomach to get the maximum toning effect.
- Heart Health
Walking for 30 minutes a day will strengthen your circulatory system and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and reduce hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Preventing Injuries
People prone to injuries favor walking over running as it is low impact and therefore gentle on your joints. Walking also put less stress on the bones in the spine.
- Osteoporosis
Moderate exercise stimulates and strengthens bones increasing their density. Particular important for women who are more prone to osteoporosis.
- Vitamin D
Many people in the UK have low levels of Vitamin D, walking outside has the added benefit of increasing your Vitamin D levels as it allow our bodies to absorb it from sunlight.
- Joint and Muscle Pain
Gentle exercise can help prevent joint and muscle pain by increasing strength in the muscles and flexibility in the joints.
- Mental Health
Studies have found that moderate exercise boosts your mood and helps fight depression. Walking increases the level of endorphin's in your body which reduces anxiety and stabilised your mood.
