4 Incredible Benefits of Working Out With Walking
By Genevieve Cunningham
Many people believe that working out must always include sore muscles and a ton of sweat. While it’s easy to see why so many have this sort of mentality, it’s not necessarily true. A workout doesn’t always have to leave you sore or exhausted. In fact, you can get in a good workout without either. One really great way to work out without working your body to the maximum is with a good walking routine. Even though it’s relatively easy, walking is a phenomenal workout. Take a look at these four ways in which walking can benefit your physical fitness and overall health.
It Boosts Cardiovascular Activity
Just like running, walking is great for the heart and lungs. It can lower the resting heart rate, meaning less work for the heart in the long run. For the lungs, it can expand general lung function and help you take a deeper breath with each inhale. This brings in more oxygen, which then finds its way to the muscles and blood for a healthier body. While it might take a little longer than running, you’ll get the same benefits with a little more ease on the joints and bones.
It Promotes Flexibility
Almost any form of exercise promotes flexibility and natural range of motion, and walking is no exception. The way to keep your body capable of movement is to just keep moving. The great thing about walking is that it can be done at almost any age or physical condition. You gained a few pounds and running is painful? Walk. Your joints hurt as the years tick by? Walking can help you exercise with the least amount of pain. You’ll keep your body moving, which then keeps it capable of more movement as time passes. The bottom line? Keep moving if you want to stay active in life.
It Burns Calories
A lot of people who workout do so in order to burn calories. Most of us have a few pounds to lose, so burning calories is important. Luckily, walking can absolutely burn calories. While it won’t burn as many as quickly as many other forms of exercise, it will burn them consistently. Stick with walking, and you may be able to lose or at least maintain a healthy weight for years.
It Can Be Altered
A lot of people find walking to be a boring activity, but it doesn’t have to be. Walking is a flexible activity, so it can be adapted to suit your particular needs. You can walk on a treadmill, up and down bleachers, on a sidewalk, around the block, on a hiking trail, or a million other places. Each location brings its own set of challenges so that you can challenge your body based on its needs. Keeping your body and workout changing is a great way to get fit, and walking may be just the way to do it.
If you believe that working out doesn’t work unless you’re sore, it might be time to reevaluate your way of thinking. Working out and staying in shape can be done in numerous ways. Walking is a great addition to any workout routine, and can bring multiple benefits to your health and your life.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Eagan, Minn.
