Put on Your Dancing—Or Rather, Your Walking Shoes
We’re sure you’ve heard that walking is one of the most beneficial workouts you can get. Well, there’s a good reason for that! It’s an easily-adjusted exercise that’s perfect for all age groups, and it also comes with an onslaught of health benefits anyone can get behind. Let’s dive into a few reasons this simple exercise is so powerful.
1. Improves Mental Health
On a bad day, the last thing you want to do is work out. You probably don’t want to stroll through the neighborhood either, talking to anyone you meet or worrying about haphazard drivers. However, walking is just as good for the mind as it is for the body. It reduces stress, energizes you, and can even reduce depression symptoms.
2. Manages Weight
Believe it or not, walking is one of the best ways to lose weight! So long as you stick with it every day, you can shed pounds faster than you can blink. It doesn’t take long to develop a routine, and with so many muscles hard at work, your waistline is bound to drop a few inches. You can also up your workout with weights or increased speed to get more of a burn.
3. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
There’s no workout too small that it’s insignificant. Even a simple walk around the block can reduce your risk of heart disease or similar health concerns down the line. Walking also boosts your stamina and lowers cholesterol, two things that benefit your ticker.
4. Improves Sleep
Do you have trouble falling asleep? Might we suggest a walk to soothe the mind and encourage restful night? It’s true—studies show that walking improves your sleep hygiene, helping you get to bed quicker and to stay that way longer. If you don’t feel comfortable walking at night, you can always squeeze in a few steps after dinner!
5. Helps Joint Pain
Walking improves your joints and strengthens muscles, which is exactly how you keep arthritis at bay. Though you might still get diagnosed, walking reduces the risk and can seriously slow its development. Time to hit the sidewalk!
