Benefits of WalkingFor most normal people, walking comes naturally. However, for most people, too, the concept of walking as a form of exercise is an alien concept mainly because it seems so far removed from the intense gym workouts, aerobics sessions, and extreme outdoor sports. Health Benefits of Walking: Fortunately, this concept is about to change dramatically. Walking, in fact, has many health benefits that anybody with two feet can avail of in as little as 30 minutes a day. These benefits include: One of the benefits of walking is that it helps prevent the occurrence of Type II diabetes, which results from the maintenance of healthy body weight essential in diabetes prevention. � It encourages faster and safer weight loss especially in the maintenance of lean body mass. A positive psychological side to walking is the improvement of self-confidence and self-esteem among individuals, which is great for staying motivated in one�s weight loss efforts. � It promotes cardiovascular health, especially in females, through a reduction in blood cholesterol levels, control of hypertension and improved heart endurance. Basically, walking encourages more blood and oxygen flow to the body that pushes the heart to work more efficiently. � It develops brain functions and delays brain aging, which ought to be food for thought for those who take elevators on the way to their offices. � It reduces the inflammation brought by arthritis and lessens the risks of osteoarthritis. � It promotes a sense of general well-being, which is great therapy for depression and anxiety. � It lessens the risk for certain types of cancers like breast and colon cancers It also appears that walking fosters a sense of community, which is particularly beneficial for older people. Overall, walking is good for the mind and body. Indeed, with such benefits, who can say no to one of man's most natural and most accessible forms of exercise?
To get the most health benefits out of walking, you have to make it a brisk walk instead of a leisurely walk. This means arm-pumping pace, which ought to be fast enough to make you breathe more quickly after a minute or two.
Health Related Fitness - Whether you’re recovering from a serious injury or looking to regain that youthful vigor to keep up with your grand kids, being properly informed is an essential part of improving your health. There are two basic recommendations for walking. First, the Surgeon General suggests a minimum of 30 minutes of accumulated moderate intensity activity five days a week. This includes taking the stairs, walking to the bus stop and mowing your lawn the old-fashioned way. Second, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 20-60 minutes of continuous physical activity a minimum of three times per week, coupled with 2-3 days of resistance training. Either way, you will be getting your daily dose of exercise through walking. Depending on your weight, you will be able to lose anywhere from 100 to 166 calories per mile walked. The secret is to keep your walking regimen even when you achieve your ideal weight. This way, you will be able to maintain good health and a good mind. In conclusion, walking as an exercise activity must be incorporated into your daily life such that it gradually becomes a natural part of it. Soon enough, leading an active life through such a simple activity will not be an alien concept. And the benefits of walking for you, will pay off in keeping your weight loss for good.
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