Are you feeling down, constipated, or overweight? Is your blood pressure or blood sugar a little high? Do you have trouble falling asleep at night? The solution might be as simple as walking for 30 minutes each day.
A walk might seem like child’s play compared to running a marathon or competing in crossfit. However, a simple walk can be a very healthy alternative or addition if you lack the time to get to the gym, interest in more intense exercise, or need to recover from your hard core activities. .
Humans were built for walking, and many health experts believe that the chair was the worst invention ever created. You can do a lot to enhance your health by standing up and taking even a short walk.
Here are the top benefits you can enjoy when making a daily walk a daily habit:
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Feel Better
If you’re currently not getting enough exercise, a walk is a simple way to fill that void. Getting out of the house and breathing a little fresh air is bound to enhance your mood, energy, and outlook on life.
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Better Bones
Bone density in your legs and spine can be improved by walking. In fact, hip fractures are reduced in postmenopausal women that walk for at least 30 minutes each day.
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Sleep Better
Those that walk report a lower incidence of insomnia. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, the solution might be as simple as a daily walk. . . even better if you can get out first thing in the morning to get some natural light.
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Reduce Risk of Chronic Disease
Studies have found that your risk of developing diabetes or suffering a stroke are reduced significantly when you walk regularly. Thirty minutes of walking is all you need each day to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by 30%.
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Improve Bowel Mobility
If you suffer from constipation, a walk can work wonders for your issue by improving speed and efficiency of the digestive process.
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Develop a Positive Habit
Walking can be a positive addition to your routine. The most successful people have routines. You’re more likely to experience success in life, business, and your health if you can maintain positive routines in your life.
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Improve Body Composition
If you increase your movement without increasing food intake, you will likely drop a few pounds. Even if you don’t lose weight, you may experience a shift where you have less body fat and more muscle mass that allows your clothing to fit better.
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Better Your Brain
Movement increases blood flow, cognitive active, and memory. In fact, seniors that walk daily have 50% decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia.
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Improve Creativity
Those that walk are more creative than those that sit. Having a challenge at work or at home? You’re more likely to find the solution during a nice, long walk.
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Live Longer
Those that spend more time on their feet have been shown to live longer than those that spend too much time sitting each day. Get up on your feet and go for a walk if you want to extend your life. It has been suggested that a daily walk may add 3-7 years of life.
Walking is free, low-impact, and simple to do. There’s no new skill to learn and no equipment to purchase. Unlike many other forms of exercise, walking can be done by those just starting their health journey and those with no athletic ability whatsoever. Just put on your shoes and get out the door.
When you aren’t feeling motivated to move, consider the many health benefits that walking provides. And if sore muscles and achy joints are keeping you on the couch, let us help you get back out there and enjoying life again.
Find out if physical therapy may be the next best step to getting you moving more with a FREE PHONE CONSULTATION. You can talk one on one with one of our movement specialists, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and discuss your concerns, share your goals, and explore the solutions that will get you where you want to be as fast as possible. Click the link below to get your FREE SESSION.
