Walking as a form of exercise has received a bad rap over the last several years. Many people aspiring to transform their body, lose weight, be healthier, or maintain their weight have been conditioned to think that they need to do more than just walk to see both short-term and long-term results. There are other individuals, however, who insist that walking is enough to make a significant difference in your overall fitness and well-being. And they are right. You gain the same health benefits of exercise like you do with other activities without the risks and expense. Below are nine reasons why walking is the best cardio workout for your body and budget.
1. Walking is Easy
We learn how to walk early in life, so it is not an exercise that takes any effort to learn or master. Even if we own alternate transportation most of us are pedestrians. If you want to increase your walking intensity try walking faster, longer, going up hills or adding weights. Then you can also more walking days. If you know walk for 3 days now increase it to 4 days per week. It is so easy to change it up without changing your schedule. Start taking your baby steps by committing to walking 15 mins per day .
2. Walking is Easier on Your Joints
As we age, the tendons and ligaments surrounding our joints harden. When this occurs, joints become less mobile and simple motions, such as lifting a box, become more challenging. Although walking requires motion, it is a much more restrictive motion compared to rigorous forms of exercise. It’s considered a low impact exercise.
3. Walking is More Enjoyable
Although there are many fitness enthusiasts who love to engage in challenging workouts, there are also many others who want to live healthier lifestyles but don’t want to push their bodies too hard. For several individuals, a brisk walk at the park or in nature is more pleasurable than lifting heavy weights at the gym.
4. Walking is More Accessible
One of the best things about walking is that it is an excellent choice for exercise no matter the fitness level of the individual. Everyone, from beginners to professional athletes, benefits from walking. No tryouts necessary nor do you have to join a team. The benefits that you will gain will motivate you and keep you strutting.
5. Walking with Friends and Friendly is Highly-Motivating
Going for a walk with loved ones can greatly benefit one’s health. By walking with friends and family, you can motivate each other to keep going or walk faster. Studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between exercising with a partner and achieving personal goals. If you are busy this might a good time to catch up with a friend.
6. Walking is a Gateway to Running
If you want to start running, you should start with walking. In fact, most running programs includes walking alternating with running. You must walk before you run.
7. Walking is Cheap
You do not need any special gear or shoes to walk in. You can walking in any comfortable clothes and shoes. Walking can lift your mood and give you energy. Feeling stressed? Go take a walk. Gather your thought, recenter and calm your mind. If you want to make it more challenging then walk up some hills or add booty bands or do both.
8. No Membership Required To Walk
You can walk anywhere. You do not need to go the gym. The beach, park, or your neighborhood are few of the places you can go for a walk. Going up hills will burn more calories than walking on flat surface. Don’t forget the stairwell.
9.Walk While You Work
Take your lunch break and go for a walk. Plan to wear comfortable clothes and shoes on the days you want to walk. I know they say it’s best to east slow but on the days you want to walk take a sandwich or something that’s not complex to eat . You want to spend your time walking not eating. Most places allow 30 mins of lunch . Plan to eat for 10 mins and walk for 20. If you get longer lunches then take that additional time to walk.
Conclusion
Like more intense exercises, walking has lots of the same health benefits but can be more fun for some. Reaping the benefits of walking means you have to be consistent with your routine and come up with a plan that fits your unique personality and situation. The American Heart Association recommends 30 mins of physical activity 5 days a week. Walking can help your reach this goal.