There are literally countless benefits to walking
Carry on reading to find out what walking will do for you…
Walking Will...
Help you lose body fat - Hit the pavement and start burning those calories. Tip: The longer you walk, the more calories you’ll burn!
Strengthen your heart - Walking increases your heart rate (how many times your heart beats a minute) which is like a work out for your heart. The more you work out your heart, the stronger it will become resulting in better blood circulation!
Reduce risk of disease - A stronger heart results in a reduced risk of heart and cardiovascular disease. High cholesterol, high blood pressure and risk of getting diabetes are all reduced by regular walking!
Walking Will...
Improve your sleep - Walking can help you sleep longer and deeper
Exercise your brain - According to a 2014 study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, Learning, Memory, and Cognition, going for a walk can spark creativity. Walking also improves memory, cognition, learning, and reading and has even been proved to sometimes increase the size of your brain!
Stay looking young for longer – Walking improves the circulation of blood around your body which in turn can make your skin look visibly younger.
Walking Will...
Strengthen your bones – Walking is a great weight-bearing exercise which helps build your bones and the muscles around them.
Give you energy - walking boosts circulation and increases oxygen supply to every cell in your body, helping you to feel more alert and alive!
Increase your life expectancy - Walking 20 to 25 minutes a day could add up to seven years to your lifespan
Walking...
Makes you happy - Studies show that a brisk walk is just as effective as antidepressants in mild to moderate cases of depression, releasing feel-good endorphins while reducing stress and anxiety.
Can be social – Walking is a great way to catch-up with friends and family as it is an activity which most people can participate in. Walking also provides a good opportunity to meet new people as many areas have organised walking groups which meet up regularly.
Is environmentally friendly – Food and drink is the only fuel that walking requires and the only gas that can be emitted by walking is the type of gas which Granddad emits after too many Brussel sprouts at Christmas dinner!
Walking Can...
Be convenient – Walking is by far the easiest way to travel shorter distances. Don’t worry about spending time getting your bike out of the shed; remembering where your car is parked; or making sure you have enough change for the bus; simply put on a pair of shoes and walk out your front door.
Provide reliable journey times – when you walk you’re in control of how fast you walk and there is nothing in the way to hinder you. Say goodbye to the stress and hold-up of late buses and traffic jams and hello to arriving at your destination on time!
Walking Will...
Boost your vitamin D intake - Walking is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while getting your vitamin D fix.
Help prevent dementia - Studies have shown that regular walks can reduce the risk of developing dementia by helping to ensure a regular and sufficient amount of blood is pumped to the brain.
Tone up your body – Walking is a great way to assist you with getting that beach body without paying those costly gym subscriptions!
Like what you read above?
Visit the Opportunities to Walk page of the website to learn how you can start walking today and get on the path to achieving all these benefits!
