Walking for Health: How It Helps Body and Mind
By Genevieve Cunningham
How often do you walk? We walk from our car to work or home. We walk in the store. We walk to get from one place to another. But how often do you walk for exercise? And perhaps the more important question is: How much should you walk for exercise? Is it necessary? Does it work? If you're interested in walking for better health, take a look at how to make it an asset in your life -- and a direct course toward better overall health.
Walking for Physical Health
Walking is good for your body and overall physical well-being. Some ways in which it might help include:
Calorie burn - Walking burns calories, plain and simple. If you need to burn calories (and we all do!), walking can get the job done in a low-stress, low-impact manner.
Endurance - Walking is good for endurance. The more you walk, the healthier your heart and lungs, and the more stamina you'll be able to create in your life.
Muscle strength - It's not the same as lifting weights, but walking can certainly keep the muscles stronger, more limber, and in overall better condition than a sedentary lifestyle.
Walking for Mental Wellness
While it's easy to see how walking would be good for physical health, it's also incredibly beneficial to our mental well-being. A few ways in which it might improve mental health include:
Stress relief - Stress is everywhere. It's at work, at home, and in our personal lives. Keeping that stress under control is crucial to overall health. Walking can give you a way to work out tension and stress and to manage stress over time.
Self-confidence - Walking is a good way to stay in shape. Will it turn you into a bodybuilder? No, it won't. But it can help you manage your weight and stay active in your daily life. And the better you feel about your body and activity level, the higher your self-esteem is likely to be.
Walking is an activity that anyone can do. It's gentle and calming and low-impact. It's a great way to stay in shape -- or to just stay active in your life. Make sure that regular walks are a part of your life, and you're likely to feel better mentally and physically in no time at all.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aiken, S.C.