Beginning the Day With a Morning Walk
By Stephen R. Farris
There's nothing more rejuvenating than waking up in the morning, putting on a T-shirt, sweat pants, athletic footwear, stretching the legs and arms, then heading outdoors as the sun crosses the horizon for a nice, brisk walk. If you still feel a little sleepy, it'll help finish waking you up and get your blood circulating so you'll be ready to face the challenges of your day.
Walking is not only great exercise, there are numerous other benefits you can get from your morning walk as well. Here's a few you might find interesting.
Energy Boost
Just a 20-minute walk outdoors can give you enough energy to last all day. Make sure you're doing so at a brisk pace to elevate your heart rate slightly and to get the blood circulating in your body.
Better Mood
Walking can put you in a better mood, especially if done outdoors. Walking on a regular basis -- at least a few times a week or more -- can improve your self esteem, reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue too.
One-Stop Exercise
If you have a busy work, home or school schedule and are limited when it comes time for working out, then walking is ideal for you. All that's needed is at least 30 minutes of your time per day or every other day to go walking. Adults should exercise no less than 150 minutes per week and no more than 300 minutes per week (although it is allowable for more), so 30 minutes, five times a week would get you to the minimum requirement.
Weight Loss
Remember I mentioned self-esteem earlier? Walking can help aid in weight loss, especially if you're dieting. With the added weight loss, you'll look and feel better about yourself, thus enters the self-esteem part.
Reduced Health Risks
Walking may also reduce your risk for heart disease, lower blood pressure, help reduce or manage diabetes, and boosts your immune system.
Clears and Opens Up the Mind
One of the benefits I consider the best from walking is it helps clear and open up the mind. From a personal standpoint, back in the 1990s I lost a considerable amount of weight due to walking and dieting. During those early morning walks, it allowed me to think more clearly, especially if there was something weighing heavy on my mind. Oftentimes, it helped give me solutions to a lot of problems I was going through. I highly recommend a morning walk to soothe the heart and soul.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rockford, Ill.