Walk the Zoo This Summer for Your Health
By Brandi Goodman
Zoos are often quite large, filled with tons of animals and lots of walking space. Walk a zoo (or two) this summer and see how your health benefits. There are several advantages walking provides to both your body and brain.
Increases Blood Flow to the Brain
As you exercise, oxygen and blood are both made to circulate through the body. Your blood will be flowing through your arteries and will make its way back up to the brain. This increased blood flow can help with memory, clear brain fog, and prevent cognitive decline.
Strengthens the Lower Body
Your lower body gets used the most as you walk. Your feet, legs, hips, and even back are all targeted. Spend time walking through a zoo -- or anywhere -- and you'll be significantly strengthening your entire lower body. Muscles will be built. Joints will be strengthened. The more you walk, the stronger your body will become.
Burns Calories
It's important to burn calories from the foods you eat. Too many calories in a day can cause you to gain weight. Walking at even a slow pace is still exercise that can burn about 100 calories per mile. Walk with a little more intention and you can burn even more. It's an easy solution for weight management.
Reduces Risk for Disease
Walking can actually reduce your risk for disease. Spending even just a half-hour walking around a zoo can bring many benefits. Most zoos have tons of space that will require hours of walking, making your body work even harder. You can reduce your risk for depression, heart disease, and even diabetes by walking through the zoo or elsewhere.
Depression can be reduced because endorphins get released as you exercise. You're more likely to feel good. Walking through a zoo seeing all the animals you enjoy can also be a great mood booster. Your risk of heart disease is reduced because you're increasing your blood and oxygen flow to your heart.
Improves Sleep
Sleep can be hard to come by -- especially during the hot summer months. Exercising during the day can help to improve your mood and work your body enough so that you're ready for rest at night. Walk through the zoo all day and you're much more likely to fall asleep come bedtime.
Although there isn't a zoo in Salem itself, there are some nearby. Check out one of the options in cities close by for a chance to explore, see the animals, and get plenty of walking in. It's great for your health in numerous ways.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Salem, N.H.