7 Benefits of a Daily Walk
Physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated. Something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help you live a healthier life. Here are seven benefits of a daily walk.
1. Burns Calories
Walking helps you build lean muscle, lose fat, and boost your metabolism. The faster your pace and the longer you do it, the more calories you will burn. However, this does not mean you can eat whatever you want. In order to lose or maintain weight, make sure to keep a healthy diet as well.
2. Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Walking outside in the sun for at least 15 minutes a day gives your body the sufficient vitamin D it needs. With higher vitamin D levels, studies have found that people have longer telomeres (the DNA on the end of cells that gets smaller each time a cell divides). An American Cancer Society study found that women who walked seven or more hours a week had a 14 percent lower risk of getting breast cancer.
3. Boosts the Immune System
Taking a moderately paced walk between 30-45 minutes every day increases the immune system cells that are present in the body. In a study conducted by Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, researchers found that the participants’ immunity booster levels remained active for several hours after exercising and it had a cumulative effect in protecting against illness over time.
4. Relieves Stress and Improves Mood
Exercise, even walking at a moderate pace, releases endorphins in the body. If you also choose to walk outdoors, spending time in the fresh air surrounded by nature can help alleviate stress and boost your energy levels.
5. Sharpens Brain Function
Aerobic exercise improves brain health and thought processes, as indicated in several studies. One study found that doing exercise before taking a test helped improve reaction times in young adults and overall performance on standardized tests. Cognitive function among seniors was also markedly improved. Additionally, walking can improve memory function.
6. Can Help Lower Blood Sugar
Taking a short walk after eating may help lower your blood sugar. A small study found that taking a 15-minute walk three times a day (after breakfast, lunch, and dinner) improved blood sugar levels more than taking a 45-minute walk at another point during the day.
7. Strength the Heart
Walking at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week can reduce your risk for coronary heart disease by about 19 percent. And your risk may be reduced even more when you increase the duration or distance you walk per day.
Many things have changed in 2020 including how people workout. If you need help planning a new fitness routine, feel free to contact me.
