Have you considered walking your go-to exercise yet?

Join Active Ager Asia, a membership community to help you keep healthy and stay fit. Members can sync your Fitbit, Jawbone, Google Fit, Moves 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.

Develop the habit of walking on a regular basis and improve your health

Walking, as an exercise, is underrated and easy for people to ignore. However, studies have shown that it is an effective way to keep your body in shape, healthy and possibly contribute to a longer life.

Yet, there are those that think there are no health benefits to gain from walking.

Let’s shed some light on the topic of walking and why it can be good for your health:

Improves Fitness

Walking is an effective aerobic exercise. Walking on a regular basis can help you get in shape and provides energy to get through the day. If you are just starting on a walking exercise routine, expect to feel a bit tired for the first two. Don’t get upset or give up too quickly. As with all new routines, you will eventually get the hang of it and more energy to use even when you increase the intensity and pace.

Reduces Risk of Health Conditions

Walking helps reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, coronary heart disease and more. Keeping your heart healthy is important to prevent cardiovascular diseases in the future.

Burns Calories

Brisk walking can help burn more calories from the meals you are having. Walk for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day as a start. Don’t pressure yourself to walk longer if you think your body isn’t ready for it.  Listen to your body when it comes to exercising to know how much you can handle. Doing so avoids injuries and other bad incidents from happening. After all, you don’t want to end up fainting on the road during your first day of walking.

Don’t expect to have ripped abs or toned muscles though even with regular walking. To do so, you have to add and vary your exercise routines to tone up different muscle groups.

Reduce Stress

Did you know that walking regularly can improve your mental health? Every time you exercise, your body releases chemicals called “endorphins” that makes you feel happier, giving you a natural “high”.

If you think you need a breather, why not try walking? It is a good way to think through situations and outcomes as well as allowing you to channel the positive feelings towards the problem or solution.

Strengthens Bones and Muscles

Keep your joints moving for them to work properly. You can do this by walking regularly to increase muscle and bone strength. It is also an effective way to lessen your back pain.

The best thing about walking is there’s no need for you to spend any (or too much) money to enjoy great health. You can also spend time with your friends or family as you work out together and sweat it out.

For those who want to be challenged, why not pick a steep trail or terrain for you to hike every week? This will test your stamina and build your endurance as you hike along the trail you’ve chosen.

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