Why Walk?

May 28, 2014 | All Articles, post-tsb-team |

The spring season is finally upon us and after this cold, cold, winter it’s about time we get out and get moving. Walking has a ton of health benefits attached to it for people in all different circumstances. Also, the best part about this exercise is that it’s free! Gyms can be crowded, dark and expensive. Walking allows you to get out with a low impact activity, enjoy the weather we have been waiting for and it won’t cost you a dime.

Walking will not only help you to shed pounds but it will also help with your overall circulatory system. The act of walking includes many complex steps in your body. Your muscles act in a rhymthic motion of contracting and relaxing which helps with your overall body circulation. Having better circulation also decreases your risk of heart disease. Due to this, people who regularly walk have less heart attacks and strokes than people who are inactive.

The act of walking can also help you feel better; in more ways than one. Walking is a great way to
de-stress. After a long, draining day it may be hard to motivate yourself for a walk but your body will thank you. Any sort of activity releases your serotonin hormones, which are also called your happy hormones. Not only will it help emotionally but walking will help physically. Many people who are stagnant have constipation issues. Constipation not only backs you up but it often causes back and sciatic pains.

Furthermore it can help for those who are diabetic. For people with poor glucose control a 15 mins walk after a meal can help improve blood glucose control.

According to the Mayo Clinic these are their instructions on how to walk properly:

Your head is up. You’re looking forward, not at the ground
Your neck, shoulder and back are relaxed, not stiffy upright
You’re swinging your arms freely with a slight bend in your elbows. A little pumping with your arms is ok
Your stomach muscles are slightly tightened and your back is straight, not arched forward or backward.
You’re walking smoothly, rolling your foot from heel to toe

Walking has many positive benefits for your health. It is recommended that you do 30 mins of moderate activity on most days walking at a brisk pace is all it takes. This can be done either all together or broken up to 3, 10 min walks. You can walk anywhere as well. Whether it’s in the mall, around your neighborhood or just around your house, your heart rate will still be elevated. For those who do not want to walk alone, you can find walking groups in your area by going to www.mywalkingclub.org. Use that voice inside to motivate yourself!Not only will it help you continue to lose weight but it will be better for your overall health.