Walking Is Good for These Health Concerns
By Sara Butler
Walking is something most people do every single day, so it may seem strange to do it for exercise -- but it's a great exercise. Walking is something that people at any fitness level can do safely. It's gentle on the joints and has all sorts of benefits. However, there are some specific health issues that walking as exercise may help you to target. Here are a few of the health concerns that walking can make a difference with.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the loss of bone mass that leads to a higher incidence of bone fractures in older people. It's important to note that bone mass is something your body begins to lose in your 30s, even though this is a condition that most people connect to the elderly. In other words, it's never too early to address osteoporosis -- and walking can help.
Walking is a weight-bearing exercise. Due to this, it's great for the bones and helps to keep bone mass from disappearing as you age. You can reduce your risk of osteoporosis by making sure to walk at a pace that is challenging to you, adding in strength moves as you walk, and increasing the workload of your muscles by including hills in your route.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that impacts blood sugar. One of the best ways to control blood sugar is through exercise because it lowers your body's response to glucose. Decreasing how much insulin your body must produce is a great way to reduce your chances of developing diabetes as you get older, too. You only need to walk for about 30 minutes each day to make a difference in this respect, too.
Low Back Pain
If you suffer from low back pain that comes on suddenly, then walking may be exactly what you need to do. It's considered a form of active rest, which allows you to have some level of activity as your back heals from any injury. Active rest has been found to help acute low back pain resolves itself faster, so get out there and walk slowly and purposefully for short stints several times per day to help your back heal.
Sleep Problems
If you struggle to sleep well at night, then you can walk your way to a better night's rest! Walking is an easy and effective way to reduce stress and get more sound sleep. Adding as little as 2,000 steps per day to your total has been found to make a difference in sleep.
Walking is convenient and accessible to most people, so use it to help you with any existing health concerns you may have or to ward off issues in the future.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Duluth, Ga.