There are a number of prominent benefits of doing an activity such as walking. Walking is free and extremely easy. Although walking may not seem like a good form of exercise it has several health benefits both physically and emotionally. Here we will talk about some of the most common benefits of lacing up your shoes and going outside for a walk.
If you have ever experienced joint pain before, particularly in the knees and hips, walking could potentially help ease that pain. When walking, you are engaging several different muscle groups at once. Your abdominals, leg muscles and hips are just a few muscle groups that are active while walking. When you are walking, the knee and hip joints become lubricated to help support the muscles that are being worked and in turn, easing the pain in those joints because of the lubrication process. For anyone who suffers from arthritis, beginning to incorporate walking into their daily routine could prove extremely beneficial in the long-run.
Walking does not necessarily need to be strenuous exercise in order to burn calories. Walking at a normal pace will help you burn calories while walking. If you are trying to lose weight, or tone, you can start by walking at a reasonable pace and slowly up the speed little by little. The calories that are burned are determined by your speed, the terrain you are walking on or over, and your walking speed. By burning calories walking can help you start your weight loss journey and fight obesity among other weight-related diseases.
There are a few things you will need to get yourself started. A good pair or walking or running shoes is essential if you are going to be walking regularly. Before you set out you want to make sure you know the path that you are walking as well. Outline the time frame that you want to walk for and you will be all set to start! Some studies suggest people should walk for about 30 – 45 minutes each day. An equivalent of about fifteen thousand steps is ideal for everyone who is looking to start walking for exercise. The most important factor in all of this is to set realistic expectations for yourself that you will be able to reach. Know and understand your limitations so that you do not become overwhelmed with yourself and continue to exercise for your own benefit.
