Five reasons to start walking today

Believe it or not, walking increases your overall fitness as it strengthens both your heart and the lungs. Reducing the risk of heart disease has never been this easy.

Some people find it hard to believe that walking is an effective exercise to keep your body fit and fab. This is because we fall under the assumption that hitting the gym is better than just walking.

However, walking shouldn’t be taken lightly since it has several health benefits to keep you in good shape.

Here are five reasons you should start walking today:

1. Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Study shows that regular brisk walking lowers the risk of heart disease. According to The Stroke Association, walking 30 minutes a day reduces the risk up to 27 percent.  It is an effective cardio exercise to lower postprandial blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

Just make sure to walk regularly in a consistent speed to get your heart pumped out. Remember that you need to walk faster than your casual stroll. Your body needs to release sweat in order to get its full health benefits.

2. Helps you lose weight.

Believe it or not, walking helps you shed off that extra weight. Walking for 30 minutes at 2mph helps you burn at least 75 calories. If you speed it up a little, then you get to burn more calories than ever. That is why it is recommended to include walking as a part of your routine if you have plans of losing weight anytime soon.

Of course, don’t expect to see the results in an instant. It takes a lot of work to get back in shape through walking. Just make sure you get to do it on a regular basis to continue burning the carbs off.

3. Tones up your body.

Once you get to shed off the calories, it’ll be easier for your body to get toned up. Brisk walking helps you tone up your calves, quad and hamstrings together with your bum muscles. If you want more challenge, why not try hiking? It is a fun physical activity where you can strengthen your muscles and enjoy the view at the same time.

You can also add weights as you walk to tone your arms even better. You can buy weights in gloves or wrist wraps to keep them falling as you brisk walk. You can add lifting exercises in between to challenge yourself even more.

4. It is good for the brain.

Walking provides more than just physical fitness; it also gives cognitive benefits that help improve your memory and boosts creativity. So if you think you need a breather, walking is a great exercise for you to start with. Other than keeping your body fit, it helps you perform better at work since your brain is in tip-top condition.

Walking gives you a chance to think as you get to come up with ideas and discover solutions to problems you may have. Sometimes, all we really need is a long walk with a breath of fresh air to keep ourselves calm and composed.

5. Works as an anti-depressant.

Walking helps get rid of that stress and anxiety as your body releases endorphins every time you sweat it out. No need to take prescription pills for anxiety; simply walk in a regular basis for that positive mental health you deserve.

You can also walk as a form of meditation. It is a chance for you to enjoy the little things in your environment. Ditch the earphones for once as you let your mind get out from all the chatter. Getting your body in shape together with a good mental health; what more can you ask for?

Walking has several more benefits that are good for the health. If you want to start your way to healthy living, what are you waiting for? Don’t procrastinate and start walking today!

Here’s reason number 6: Join Active Ager Asia, a membership community to help you keep healthy and stay fit. Members can sync Fitbit or Jawbone or preferred mobile pedometer app with the system, get educational articles from the Active Age and enjoy privileges. Through the portal, members are encouraged to keep good health by walking to earn incentives. More information at Active Ager Asia.

Comments

comments