Walking - How walking can help you lose weight
What are the Benefits of Walking?
Some days, getting to the gym takes just as much effort as the workout. We all have those days where it is just too hard to get up, put on some gym clothes, fill the water bottle, get in the car, workout for an hour, drive home, shower, and then STILL have to clean the house, feed the family, and get work done for the upcoming day. Does that mean we just give up for the day, and go back to sitting on the couch?
No way!
In order to get the results, we need to be consistent. But how can we do that while being consistently busy?
WALKING!
Walking is an excellent way to enhance and maintain your health. Walking just 30 minutes a day will improve your cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones, help you lose weight, and increase your muscle power and endurance. It can also help you avoid illnesses including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and some cancer. Walking, unlike several other types of exercise, is costless and requires no specific equipment or instruction.
When you walk, you are carrying your own weight. A weight-bearing exercise is what it's called. The following are some of the advantages: Improved cardiovascular and pulmonary health (heart and lungs)
Heart disease and stroke risks are reduced.
Bones that are stronger and better balanced
Improve Muscle strength and endurance
Body fat will be reduced.
If walking around your neighborhood isn't enough for you, but the gym feels a bit stuffy, go for a hike! If you live in an area that you can hike in of course.
Hiking outside has several advantages, including beautiful sights, fresh air, and the sounds and aromas of nature. Being outside in nature can help you feel better and improve your mental health. According to a study conducted by Stanford University researchers, spending quality time in the great outdoors reduces stress, soothes anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of depression. Being outside improves your sensory perception and opens up your senses to your environment, in addition to having mental health benefits. Nature's sights, fragrances, and sensations have so many health benefits that they can even be recommended by a doctor.
Bring a friend! It's advisable not to go hiking alone at first, especially if the trail is unknown or secluded. A partner or group can assist you in navigating and assisting you if you are injured. You'll feel more confident traveling solo as your skill level grows. Know what you're getting into before you go. Keep a map of the area. Check the weather forecast before dressing and packing. If storms are expected, reconsider your plans. Stick to the routes and trails that are well marked.
Walking also boosts immune function! This can be especially helpful, especially during COVID. During the cold and flu season, walking might help you stay healthy. A study of over 1,000 men and women found that those who walked for at least 20 minutes five days a week had 43 percent fewer sick days than those who only exercised once a week or less. And if they did become ill, it was only for a brief time.
Walking can be just as beneficial, if not better than, running for a workout. When people keep doing the same training program and don't notice results, they are said to be 'plateauing.' People who have reached a running plateau; they will run the same distance, speed, and time day after day. To gain the most from your fitness routine, you need to alter it up on a regular basis. To improve your health, you don't need to engage in strenuous exercise or do it for long periods of time. When compared to a non-exercising group, a 2007 analysis of inactive women found that even a small amount of exercise – roughly 75 minutes per week – dramatically improved their fitness levels.
You don't need to hit the weights everyday to improve your health and reach your fitness goals. Weights are a critical part of the workout routine, but if you are feeling like you need a break from the gym walls, get outside and take a walk!