Walking is a simple, cost-effective, low impact and stress free exercise that can bring many health benefits. It is accessible to everyone because it doesn’t require any practice, special skills or expensive gear. It is also a safe way to maintain good health and a sense of well-being.
Here are some of the health benefits of walking:
1. It helps to control weight.
Walking is a primary exercise given to overweight or obese individuals. It burns plenty of calories – an important aspect of weight control to prevent obesity and diabetes.
Unlike other forms of exercise, walking is less strenuous and it allows a person to continue for long periods without getting tired thus many calories are burned in the process.
2. It helps to lower cholesterol levels
Walking helps to reduce bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol levels in the body. It also prevents the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the arterial walls which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Walking helps to keep you physically and mentally alert by improving the circulation of blood in your entire body.
3. It helps to boost strength and stamina.
Walking helps to develop your hand, leg and core muscles, and regularly exercising these muscles can develop their strength.
Walking is one of the safest and most inexpensive ways to live longer, and it only requires you a pair of comfortable walking shoes to do.
4. It helps to lower stress.
An added benefit of walking is its ability to reduce stress. A lot of ailments are stress related and one way to avoid them is to go out of the house each morning to walk and enjoy the outdoors. Walking has a relaxing effect that can relieve stress.
A study conducted in Italy also suggests that walking helps to sharpen memory and alleviate memory problems. They further said that this could be due to the improved circulation which helps to enhance blood flow to the brain.
These are some of the most common benefits of walking as an exercise. It is a simple physical activity that doesn’t require much effort. But it has many health benefits which include mental sharpness and long life.
