Walking is a fantastic way to get in shape.
It’s easy to get started, there are few risks of injury and it’s great for your health. In fact, it’s so great for your health that you might be surprised. After all, exercise is supposed to be difficult, right? Walking is simple AND good for your health.
Let’s take a look at four powerful perks of walking.
Mood Builder
Walking enhances your mental and emotional well being. When you walk, your body releases endorphins – your “feel good” hormones. They help you stay positive and stress free. In fact, studies show that walking for thirty minutes each day can help prevent depression.
If you walk outside it’s even better, assuming of course the weather is co-operating. When you walk outside, you’re also getting mood-boosting, depression-fighting and stress-busting Vitamin D.
Fat Buster
Walking burns calories. When you burn more than you consume you lose weight. Add to that, simply walking for thirty minutes each day will help boost your metabolism. Studies have shown that people who are more active, walking 10,000 steps each day, lose weight more quickly. They’re also more successful keeping the weight off.
Energy Booster
Walking on a daily basis also helps boost your energy. More energy means that you’ll be able to get more done during your day. You’ll feel better throughout your day and you’ll have the motivation and energy to reach your goals.
Meditating
Walking meditation is a fantastic two-fer. You get all the above benefits (and more, hard to list them all in a short article) plus meditation time.
As a meditator, new or experienced, you already know there are countless ways that meditating regularly can help you. Relieves stress, gives your brain a break, helps you get into the NOW, brings better focus and concentration, helps you let go of negative thoughts and bring in the positive.
Walking also helps fight heart disease and helps you sleep better at night. There really is no downside.
Ready to get started? Here’s how:
1) Grab a pedometer. Don’t skimp on your pedometer. A good one will last several years and stay calibrated.
2) Track the data. Spend a week tracking how many steps you normally take each day. Also take a look at your day. When can you fit in extra walking time? You don’t have to fit it in all at once. You might take three ten minute walks each day. Also explore ways you can add steps to your day.
For example, when you go grocery shopping, you could park at the back of the lot and add 500 or more steps to your day.
3) Create a walking routine. For the first few weeks it may take some effort to add walking into your day. However, once you’ve established a routine you’ll start looking forward to your daily walks. It can be a great time for meditation, releasing stress and of course getting healthy.
Walking is an easy way to start improving your health. Walk by yourself or with friends. Walk around your neighborhood, on a local trail or on a treadmill.
Get those legs moving and reap the benefits.