Why You Should Walk More
By Sara Butler
Walking may not seem like a big deal to most people, but walking as a form of exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body. If you need more convincing to start a walking regimen, then here are a few of the reasons you should start walking today.
You’ll Live Longer
A study in Honolulu found that walking just two miles per day cut the risk of death of study participants in half. The risk of death from cancer was also lower. There are some other studies that have found similar results, which means that if you want to live longer, then walking may be one way to do it! Plus, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States for both men and women, so caring for your heart and your cardiovascular system through exercise such as walking is a great idea.
It Can Help You Maintain a Healthy Weight
Exercise is an important part of weight maintenance. When combined with healthy eating habits, walking helps you to build lean muscles, give your metabolism a boost and lose fat. Many people who have successfully maintained a healthy weight over many years follow a walking exercise program to do it.
It Boosts Your Brain
The National Council on Aging found that walking 45 minutes per day helped to increase thinking power in adults over 60. So, if you feel as if you’re becoming more forgetful as time marches on, then walking may be one way to keep your brain sharp.
It Relieves Stress and Boosts Mood
When you exercise, your body releases feel-good hormones that can help improve your mood. In fact, studies have shown that regular moderate exercise results in lower stress for participants when compared with people who live a more sedentary lifestyle.
It’s Easy to Start and Maintain
Exercise doesn’t get more straightforward than walking. In fact, all you need is a pair of well-fitting shoes, a weather-appropriate outfit, and a sidewalk or treadmill to get it done! You don’t even need to do your walk all at once. You benefit just as much from a few short walks per day as you do from one long walk. Talk to your chiropractor about walking with good posture and ways to increase your walking time and stamina each day.
Walk your way to better health!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sandy Springs, Ga.