A few years ago, I suffered a very traumatic event. I started walking – 20,000 steps a day – I did this for about a year. I still walk but, I also do strength training and low impact cardio but, I will never abandon walking. Walking saved my mental health – being outside, in nature so, when I researched the benefits of walking, here is what I found. This is a combination of various sources – plus my own experience with walking as a life-changing experience.
Walking sharpens your brain. There are even studies that show that walking backwards improves your cognition.
It strengthens your bones. As we get older, we need strong bones. We also need to check out bone density – especially women.
It boosts your mood – especially walking outside in nature – for me, it is a source of meditation.
It enhances your circulation. I KNOW that walking lowered my blood pressure. It works even if you just walk briskly for 30 minutes per day.
It reduces your risk for tripped and falling. Walking helps build your balance because it makes your shin muscles stronger and prevents shuffling as we get older.
It actually bolsters your memory – your hippocampus where your verbal memory and learning happen.
It helps with pain – because walking is moderate and low impact it actually supports arthritis and other pain-inducing chronic illnesses. When you move, you stretch and this helps your muscles.
It improves blood glucose levels – especially after a meal. You know when you feel so full you can’t move – food coma? Well, move anyway – it is so healthy to take a brief walk after a big meal.
It raises your immunity because people who walk regularly maintain a healthier weight – as long as you combine it with healthy eating – and this reduces your risk for disease.
Walking, especially outside – even in cold weather – helps you sleep better. Buy good shows or even ice attachments for your shoes and boots and keep walking in all seasons and all kinds of weather.
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