By Tellis Everett, Founder of strongerGREATER, Certified Personal Trainer, National Council on Strength and Fitness(NCSF)
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi
If you have been inactive, sedentary or simply put, a couch potato for several years but you want to jump start your health and wellness journey, the best thing you can do is to start by walking.
Walking is a simple and enjoyable way to improve your physical and mental well-being. Walking for 30 minutes a day or more on most days of the week is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. A brisk 30 minute walk every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. Walking can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes osteoporosis and some cancers.
Some of the benefits of walking are:
Burning calories: Walking can help you burn calories and maintain or lose weight. The amount of calories you burn depends on your speed, distance, terrain, and body weight.
Strengthening the heart: Walking regularly can lower your risk of developing coronary heart disease, which is a leading cause of death in the United States
Lowering blood sugar: Walking after meals can help lower your blood sugar levels and prevent spikes that can lead to diabetes and other complications.
Easing joint pain: Walking can lubricate and strengthen the muscles that support your joints, reducing pain and inflammation. Walking can also prevent or delay the onset of arthritis.
Boosting immune function: Walking can enhance your body’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses, such as the common cold or the flu. Walking can also reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms if you do get sick.
Boosting energy: Walking can increase your oxygen intake and blood circulation, which can make you feel more alert and energized. Walking can also stimulate the production of hormones that boost your mood and motivation.
Improving mood: Walking can release endorphins, which are natural chemicals that make you feel happy and relaxed. Walking can also reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve your self-esteem and confidence.
Increasing life span: Walking can lower your risk of premature death from various causes, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and respiratory diseases. Walking can also improve your quality of life as you age, by preserving your cognitive and physical functions.
Toning muscles: Walking can tone and shape your muscles, especially in your legs, hips, and buttocks. Walking can also improve your posture and balance, and prevent muscle loss and bone loss.
Enhancing creativity: Walking can stimulate your brain and enhance your creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Walking can also inspire you with new ideas and perspectives, and help you overcome mental blocks.
To get the most out of walking’s health benefits, try to walk for at least 30 minutes as briskly as you can on most days of the week. ‘Brisk’ means you can still talk but not sing, and you may be puffing slightly.
As you can see, walking is good for you in many ways. All you need to start walking is a pair of comfortable shoes and some time. You can walk anywhere, anytime, and at your own pace. Walk outdoors in your neighborhood, at your local high school track, at your local gym on a treadmill. You can also walk with your friends, family, or pets, to make it more fun and social. Buy a quality treadmill for your home and walk anytime. Walking is one of the easiest and most effective forms of exercise you can do. So, what are you waiting for? Start walking today and enjoy the benefits!
~strongerGreater
Tellis Everett is a Certified Personal Trainer that has been helping individuals and families reach their health and fitness goals for over fifteen years. His personal mission is to help others become stronger os that they can live a greater quality of life.