The Benefits of Walking
By Sara Butler
Walking as exercise is good for you. It gets you up and gets you moving and can be done by almost anybody. It has a ton of health benefits that you may not even be aware of, too. Here are some of the most impressive health benefits of walking to help inspire you to get more steps in your day.
It Makes You Happy
You’ve likely heard of a runner’s high, but there’s a walker’s high too! Walking helps your brain to release the feel-good chemicals that produce the high, known as dopamine and serotonin. They lift your mood during and after exercise. Studies have also revealed that walking outside lowers rates of depression more effectively than walking inside -- so that sunshine may just help!
You’ll Improve Memory
When you walk, a protein called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is released. Experts think BDNF encourages new brain cell growth. That could help to ward off dementia and memory loss as you get older.
Lower Your Blood Pressure
Walking encourages your heart to beat faster and that means it pumps more blood. As time goes on, your heart can pump more and more blood with less effort, resulting in a drop in blood pressure. Some studies have revealed that women who walk just two miles each day can lower their blood pressure by as much as 11 points.
Walking also helps to lower your risk of heart attack by as much as 35 percent. That’s if you have a regular walking regimen you stick to, of course.
It Strengthens Your Bones
Weight-bearing activities such as walking and running help to build bone mass. This can help to protect your bones from fractures and osteoporosis as you grow older. So, pound the pavement to improve your bone mass and keep your bones strong as time goes on.
It Helps You Look Younger
Exercise doesn’t simply make you sweaty; it also makes your skin look younger by helping it to produce collagen. Collagen is what makes your skin elastic, keeping it looking smooth no matter your age. Treat your skin right with walking and it may just take years off your appearance.
Walking is a great form of exercise, so don’t discount it. As you can see, it has a ton of benefits to your health and wellness! Just think of it this way -- it's so easy, babies do it!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in South Jordan, Utah.